
Class ^3r I'^rl 



Book 

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COPyRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



Cfie IRural Science Series 

Edited by L. H. Bailey 



THE CARE OF ANIMALS 



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THE CARE OF ANIMALS 



A BOOK OF 

BRIEF AND POPULAR ADVICE ON THE 

DISEASES AND AILMENTS OF 

FARM ANIMALS 



NELSON S. MAYO, M.S., D.Y.S. 

Professor of Veterinary Science in the Kansas State Agricultnxal College 
and State Veterinarian of Kansas 



THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 

LONDON: MACMILLAN & CO., Ltd. 

1903 

All rights reserved 



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I Two CCiWce RtOfciWlfC-i 

LA33 a. XXp t3o.l 



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COPY 8. 



Copyright, 1903 
By the MACMILLAN COMPANY 



J. Horace McFarland Company 
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 



<*3 



PREFACE 

The proper care of animals is more than supply- 
ing their physical needs and comforts. Animals are 
subject to ills and accidents. It is the part of every 
farmer to know how to care for the simpler diffi- 
culties, and when to call for advice from the vete- 
rinarian. The animal industry is rapidly increasing 
in extent and importance. The day of the skilled 
veterinarian is coming ; but his profession must rest 
on a quickened public knowledge of the diseases 
and accidents to which animals are subject. The 
greater the knowledge of these subjects on the part 
of the man w^ho raises animals, the keener is his 
interest in these and all related matters, and the 
more frequent will be his demands on the veteri- 
narian. The day of the "horse-doctor book" is pass- 
ing. Prevention, sanitation, careful handling are more 
important than mere medication. We are coming to 
a rational treatment of disease in animals, as we are 
of disease in man. Now that the farmer is giving 
so much attention to feeding and breeding, he should 
also give additional thought to the extra difficulties 
and ailments that overtake his flocks. 

(v) 



vi Preface 

This little volume is based on an experience of 
some twelve years in Michigan, Connecticut and Kansas, 
as a practitioner, as a teacher of veterinary science 
to students in agricultural colleges, and as a lec- 
turer before farmers' institutes. It has been the aim 
to give concise, practical directions that can be used 
by those who have to do with the care of animals. 
Special attention has been given to the use of domes- 
tic and simple remedies. Complicated medicinal treat- 
ment has been omitted, as not being practicable in 
ordinary hands. For the same reason, rare and 
unusual diseases are omitted because of the danger 
of confusion. 

The writer will be glad to receive suggestions 
from those into whose hands this book may fall, as to 
measures that will make it more useful and practical. 

NELSON S. MAYO. 

Manhattan, Kansas 
October 1, 1903 



CONTENTS 

CHAPTER I 

PAGES 

General Advice 1-16 

Feeding and Watering 3 

Exercise 11 

Protecting the Animals 12 

Give the Animal Your Personal Attention . 13 

CHAPTER II 

The Care of Animals in Stables and Yards 17-29 

Horse Stalls 18 

Cow Stables 19 

The Grooming of Horses 21 

The Clipping of Horses 23 

The Care of the Feet 24 

Bedding 25 

Care of Swine , 26 

Yards and Corrals 28 

Quarantine 28 

CHAPTER III 

The Care of Pets 30-49 

Dogs 31 

The Breaking of Dogs for Farm Purposes 35 

Cats . . . , 36 

Rabbits and Hares 43 

Cavies, or Guinea Pigs 46 

Pet Poultry . 46 

(vii) 



viii Contents 



CHAPTER IV 

PAGES 

The Horse— Judging and Handling 51-87 

Age 51 

The Teeth of the Horse 52 

Contrasts with Cattle 57 

Color of Horses , 58 

Style 59 

Points in Horses 59 

Unsoundness in Horses 62 

Warranty 63 

Examination of Horses in Stable 64 

Examining Out of Doors 65 

Fitting Horses for Market 71 

Shipping Horses , 72 

"Green" Horses 74 

Training and Hitching Up Horses 75 

Breaking Colts 78 

Wild or Vicious Horses 82 

Balky Horses 83 

Rearing, or "Raring" • . 85 

Halter-pulling 85 

Pulling on the Bit 86 

Runaway Horses 86 

CHAPTER V 

The Horse— Lameness and Shoeing 88-107 

Diagnosing Lameness 89 

Sweeney, Shoulder Lameness 91 

Laminitis, or Founder 93 

Coffin-joint Lameness 95 

Co'-ns 97 



Contents ix 

The Horse — Lameness and Shoeing— Continued pages 

Quittor 99 

Punctured Wounds of the Foot 100 

Thrush 100 

Cracked Hoofs 101 

Shoeing 103 

Fitting the Shoe 105 



CHAPTER VI 

Indications of Disease in Animals 108-120 

Pulse 110 

Temperature 112 

Respiration 113 

The Mucous Membrane 114 

Excretions 114 

General Appearance 115 

Post-mortem Examination 117 



CHAPTER VII 

Treating Sick Animals 121-155 

Box Stalls for Sick Animals 122 

Blankets, Bandages, Slings 124 

Food for Sick Animals 127 

Giving Medicine 128 

Enemas 136 

Doses of Medicine 137 

Counter Irritants 138 

Fomentations 142 

The Soaking Tub 144 

Confining or Restraining Animals 144 



X Oon tents 

Treating Sick Animals — Continued pagks 

Anesthetics 149 

Disinfection 150 

Antiseptics 151 

CHAPTER VIII 

Surgical Cases " 156-191 

Inflammation 156 

Wounds .158 

Treatment of Wounds ' . . . 159 

Diseases and Abnormal Growths 165 

Abscesses 166 

Fistulge 168 

Poll - evil 168 

Fistulous Withers 170 

Cancer , 171 

Tumo-rs 171 

Shoe-boil — Capped Elbow 172 

Capped Hock 174 

Synovial Capped Hock 174 

Open Joint 174 

Capped Knees 176 

Wry Tail 176 

Switching the Tail 177 

Hernia 177 

Scrotal Hernia 179 

Customary Surgical Practices 179 

Dehorning . . 179 

Docking Horses 181 

Docking Lambs 181 

Castrating 181 

Caponizing 187 

Spaying 188 



Contents x'l 

CHAPTER IX 

PAGES 

Breeding, and Veterinary Obstetrics 192-216 

Sterility 194 

Signs of Pregnancy 198 

Signs of Parturition, or Approaching Birth 200 

Dystokia 202 

Removing the Placenta 206 

Eversion of the Uterus 207 

Altered Milk Secretions 209 

Mammitis 210 

Milk Fever 212 

Caring for the Young, and Weaning 215 

Pyemia, or Blood-poisoning, in Colts 216 

CHAPTER X 

Diseases and Injuries of the Bones, Limbs and Joints . 217-243 

Fractures 217 

Fractuie of Hip Bone 223 

Ulceration of Bone 223 

"Side-bones" 224 

Softening of Bones 224 

Brittle Bones 225 

Cartilage Turning to Bone 225 

Osteoporosis 226 

Bony Enlargements 226 

Bone Spavin 227 

Ring-bone 231 

Big-knee and Other Enlargements 233 

Splint 233 

Dislocation of Bones 234 

Knuckling 235 

Stifle 235 

• Dislocation of the Neck , 237 



PAGES 



xii Contents 

Diseases and Injuries of the Bones, Limbs and Joints 
Continued 

Sprains ^ 238 

Bog-spavin - 238 

Wind-puffs 239 

Thorough-pin 240 

Curb , 241 

Knee-sprung 242 

Breaking-dowu 242 

Ruptured Tendons 243 

CHAPTER XI 

Diseases of the Alimentary Tract and of the Digestive 

Function 244-277 

Sore Mouth ... , 246 

Infectious Sore Mouth of Cattle 246 

Diseased and Abnormal Teeth 248 

Wolf-teeth 251 

Cribbing 251 

Parotiditis 252 

Salivary Calculus , 253 

Salivation, or Slobbering 253 

Soro Throat , . . 254 

Choking 255 

Stomach Staggers 258 

Impaction of the Rumen . . , , 259 

Hoven, or Bloating in Cattle 260 

Gorging with Grain 263 

Indigestion in Horses . 264 

Colic in Horses 266 

Obstruction of the Bowels in Horses 269 

Concretions, Calculi, Hair-balls, etc. 270 

Intussesception, or Invagination of the Bowel 271 



Contents xiii 

Diseases of the Alimentary Tract and of the Digestive 

Function — Continued pages 

Volvulus, Twisting of the Bowel, "Gut-tie" 271 

Inflammation of the Bowels, or Enteritis 271 

Diarrhea, SeouriLg 273 

Constipation 275 

White Scour 276 

Crop-bound Fowls 276 

CHAPTEK XII 

Diseases Affecting the Respiratory System 278-289 

Acute Catarrh 278 

Chronic Catarrh 279 

Bronchitis 280 

Congestion of the Lungs 282 

Pneumonia, Inflammation of the Lungs, Lung Fever . . 283 

Infectious Pneumonia 286 

Contagious Pleuro -pneumonia 286 

Pulmonary Emphysema, Heaves, or Broken-wind .... 287 
Roaring, or Whistling 288 

CHAPTER XIII 

Diseases Affecting the Brain and Nervous System . 290-298 

Hydrocephalus 290 

Dummies 291 

Tetanus, or Lock-jaw 291 

Stringhalt, Chorea 294 

Fits, Epilepsy 296 

Sunstroke, Heat Exhaustion 297 

Apoplexy 297 

Paralysis 298 



xiv Contents 

CHAPTER XIV 

PAGES 

Diseases Affecting the Skin and Eye 299-311 

Hidebound 299 

Eczema, Inflammation of the Skin 300 

Mud Fever . . 301 

Scratches, Grease-heel 301 

Fouls in Cattle 303 

Tumors of the Skin 304 

Melanotic Tumors 305 

Cancers ' . . . . 305 

Rubbing the Mane 306 

Rubbing the Tail 306 

Erysipelas 306 

Diseases of the Eye 307 

Ectropium 308 

Simple Ophthalmia 308 

Periodic Ophthalmia, Moon Blindness 309 

Catarrhal Conjunctivitis, Pink-eye 310 

Worm in the Eye > 311 

CHAPTER XV 

Parasites 312-353 

Ringworm 313 

Lice 314 

Fleas 318 

Scab of Sheep and Cattle 318 

Mange . ., 326 

Flies 327 

Maggots 328 

Screw-fly 329 

Horn-fly 330 

Bots in Horses 3*31 



Contents xv 

Parasites — Continued pages 

Bots in Cattle 333 

Sheep Bot-fly, Grub in the Head 334 

Ticks 336 

Gid, or Staggers in Sheep 340 

Intestinal Worms 341 

Stomach Worm of Sheep 346 

Lung Worm 348 

Gapes in Fowls 350 

Measles in Meat 351 

. TrichinsB in Meat 352 



CHAPTER XVI 

Contagious and Infectious Diseases 354-399 

Glanders and Farcy 356 

Anthrax, Charbon 360 

Blackleg 362 

Directions for Using Blackleg Virus 364 

Rabies, Hydrophobia 367 

Texas, or Southern Cattle Fever 370 

Contagious Abortion 374 

Foot and Mouth Disease 376 

Tuberculosis 378 

The Tuberculin Test 382 

Cowpox 385 

Dog Distemper 386 

Hog Cholera and Swine Plague 388 

Fowl Cholera '. 395 

Blackhead 397 

Roup 397 



xvi Contents 

CHAPTER XVII 

PAGES 

Miscellaneous Diseases 399-427 

Azoturia 399 

Eetention of Urine 401 

Stone in the Bladder 402 

Foul Sheath 403 

Paralysis of the Penis 404 

Frequent Urinating in Mares 404 

Dropsy 405 

"Big- leg," Lymphangitis 406 

Loco Disease 407 

Cornstalk Disease 410 

Big-jaw, or Actinomycosis of Cattle 412 

Rheumatism 415 

"Thumps" in Pigs .416 

Poisoning of Animals 417 

Poisonous Foods 421 

Moldy Corn 422 

Moldy Silage . . , 424 

Moldy Oats, Hay and Forage 425 

Injury from Cotton-seed Meal 425 

Dirty Hay .426 

Lead Poisoning in Cattle 426 

Other Poisons 427-448 

CHAPTER XVIII 

Recipes and Brief Advice 428-440 

Doses of Medicine 428 

Common Prescriptions 437 

Brief Advice on the Commoner Diseases 440 

Index 449 



THE CAEE OF ANIMALS 



CHAPTER I 
GENERAL ADVICE 

Domestic animals are kept under conditions that 
are more or less artificial, — conditions created by man 
and largely under his control. These conditions may 
be conducive to the good health and utility of ani- 
mals, or if neglected or improperly attended to they 
may prove injurious; and they are fi'equently the 
active agents in the production of disease. 

Wherever animals are gathered in large numbers 
there is an increased tendency toward contagious and 
infectious diseases, and extra pi-ecautions must be 
taken. It has been stated b}' some writers that the 
function or economj' of disease -producing germs is to 
prevent an undue population of the earth. The fact 
that contagious diseases are most prevalent where 
numbers of animals are gathered, where hygienic and 
sanitarj^ rules are not enforced, and where ignorance 
prevails, tends, at least, to enforce this conclusion, and 
to show that, in the main, ''the fittest survive." 

In the care of domestic animals, the old adage that 
"a stitch in time saves nine" is applicable, for it is 
much easier and moi^e economical to prevent diseases 

A (1) 



2 The Care of Animals 

than to cure them. A man who understands the 
wants and needs of domestic animals, and who uses 
good judgment and care in dealiug with them, is 
amply repaid in the profits and satisfaction returned. 

One of the first essentials to the successful care 
and handling of stock is suitable quarters. The quai-- 




Fig. 2. The old-time barn and yard, in which shelter is inadequate and much 
of the manure is wasted 

ters should protect from the inclemencies of weather, 
both in winter and summer. They should be light, 
dry and well ventilated. Dark, damp and poorly 
ventilated stables are hotbeds of disease. Light and 
an abundance of fresh air are essential to the main- 
tenance of health; and these can be so cheaply sup- 
plied that no excuse can be offered for the lack of them^ 



The Stadles 3 

Cleanliness is another veiy important factor, for the 
excrements of the animal body are not onl}^ injurious 
themselves, but they afford a breeding -place for bac- 
teria, and in the processes of decomposition give off 
noxious gases. The common practice of stabling ani- 
mals over manure -pits is not beneficial to the health 
of animals, however convenient it may be. Modern 
veterinary hygiene, both in theory and practice, fol- 
lows human hygiene ver}^ closely. In cases of doubt 
as regards hygienic or sanitary conditions, it is a good 
plan to put yourself in the animal's place. Fig. 2, 
while interesting as a picture, shows some of the con- 
ditions to avoid. 

The temperature of stables and barns is an important 
matter. Many modern stables are too w^arm; the old- 
time ones are likely to be too cold. Too high tempera- 
ture produces lassitude, reduces appetite and tends to 
breed germs. Too low temperature prevents the animal 
from making strong and continuous growth; the food 
energy that would otherwise go to the building up of 
the body is consumed in merely keeping warm. As 
a rule, a temperature of 45° to 50° is best for most 
animals in winter. 

FEEDING AND WATERING 

More animals are injured by overfeeding than by 
underfeeding. It is mistaken kindness to feed ani- 
mals merely because they will eat. Under ordinary 
conditions, animals should be given only sufficient 
food to keep them in fairly good flesh. Animals 



4 The Care of Aninials 

that are fat are susceptible to disease, do not breed 
readily, do not endure well in parturition, nor per- 
form ordinary labor easily. It is a somewhat common 
practice, when severe exertion is required of a horse, 
either at draft or on the road, to give him an extra 
heavy feed. Such practice is injurious to the animal, 
as he cannot do his best work when the digestive 
system is overloaded with food and thus taxed to its 
utmost capacity. Animals of which hard work is ex- 
pected should be fed sparingly. Of course, horses 
or other animals that are continuously at hard labor 
should be given food enough to keep them in good 
physical condition. 

When warm, and especially when tired, an animal 
should be allowed to rest before receiving its usual 
food. The overtaxing of organs already tired tends 
to bring on diseases of the digestive system. It is 
usually a good plan to water the animal sparingly at 
first and give a light feed of hay; then, when it is 
cool and rested, to give what water is desired and 
the customary feed of grain. Rubbing an animal 
with a brush, cloth, or wisp of straw is an excellent 
method of resting and soothing it when it is tired 
and nervous. 

When animals are fed out of doors or in pens it 
is best to have them divided into small groups, or to 
have individual places for feeding each animal. The 
food should be so distributed that each animal has 
opportunity to get its fair share. When this is not 
done the strong and aggressive animals are likely 
to keep the weaker ones from getting their share of 



How to Feed 5 

the food, while they themselves may eat more than is 
good for them. The same general principles hold 
in watering auimals ; every opportunity should be 
given for the weaker ones to get sufficient water ; 
otherwise the "bosses," after obtaining what water 
they wish, will often keep other animals away. Ex- 
perience has demonstrated that, in feeding calves or 
similar animals, they do much better when each is 
kept in a stall or stanchion by itself, at least during 
the feeding period. Calves herding together frequently 
suck one another's ears or other parts of the body to 
such an extent that it interferes with their growth. 

In feeding j'oung animals, cleanliness is of the 
greatest importance, especially for those that are fed 
milk or similar foods, which soon decompose. Not 
only should the food be sweet and pure, but the 
pails, troughs and other utensils should be kept scru- 
pulously clean. All food that the animal does not 
consume should be removed, and not allowed to de- 
compose. The food for young animals is often fed 
in a too concentrated form. Much better results 
can be secured by diluting the food and feeding 
more frequently. 

For horses at ordinary work, oats and bright 
timothy hay constitute an excellent diet. When 
horses are at hai'd labor, an addition of cornmeal is 
excellent to make up for the increased waste. For 
such horses, and for old animals whose teeth are 
not in good condition, better results are secured if 
the corn and oats are ground together. 

Animals should be fed regularly, and then watered 



6 The Care of Animals 

before receiving grain. Bulky food, or that con- 
taining a large amount of indigestible substauce, 
should be fed to horses sparingly. Cattle and sheep 
are not so easily injured by it, since they have greater 
digestive capacity. Musty or du^ty hay -fed to horses 
is likely to produce indigestion or heaves ; and it is 
often a source of much trouble to other animals. 
Moldy and wormy food is often the cause of a 
serious brain disease among horses and mules ; and 
moldy ensilage sometimes poisons cattle. 

Grasses or grain often contain ergot, a parasitic 
fungus, which shows itself among the healthy grains 
as long black kernels. This fungus most frequently 
attacks rye and related wild grains. The feeding of 
this "spurred rye" to animals is likely to produce in 
them a disease called ergotism. In this disease the 
blood-vessels of the extremities contract to such an 
extent that the feet of the afflicted animals frequently 
slough off, and sometimes, also, the tails. Corn -smut, 
so far as known, does not cause disease. If fed in 
large quantities, however, it is likely to produce indi- 
gestion. 

Underfeeding is a result of insufficient food, or 
of food that is not sufficiently nutritious and diges- 
tible. As a result of underfeeding, animals fall away 
in flesh, become "hidebound," and the coat takes on 
a harsh and lusterless appearance, which is caused by 
the absorption of fat from beneath the skin. A sim- 
ilar appearance may also be produced by disease. In 
bringing underfed animals back into condition, care 
must be taken not to overfeed. It is best to increase 



Violent Changes in Food 




Fig. 3. Salting the sheep 

the rations very gradually, so that the digestive system 
may adapt itself to the change. 

Sudden and violent changes of food are always to be 
avoided if possible. When it is necessary to change 
the food, this shonld be done gradually, and the new 
food shonld not be taken on an empty stomach. If 
a horse is to be turned out to pasture, it is better that 
he have a feed of hay and grain before being let out, 



8 The Care of J.)ii)H(iIs 

as then he is less likely to gor^^e himself on the new 
diet. Fresh grass usually acts very beneficially on 
an animal, improving the tone of the whole system. 
A variety of foods generally gives the best results. 
Animals at severe work rarely keep up in flesh if fed 
chiefl}^ on green succulent food. Palatability of food, — 
that is, agreeable taste, — is also ver}^ important. 

Common salt is essential to practically all domestic 
animals, and it should be given to them frequently. 
If animals are allowed free access to salt they eat 
only what nature requires ; but to animals not ac- 
customed to it, salt must be supplied very gradually, 
or they will eat too much at first and are likely to 
be overtaken by indigestion or even death. Sheep 
are sometimes poisoned by eating too much salt when 
they are not accustomed to it. Fine or rock salt may 
be used. Every good farmer knows that he must salt 
his sheep often (Fig. ^). 

"Bolting" the food, or gulping it rapidly and 
without sufficient mastication, is always injurious to 
animals. Some horses acquire this as a habit, and it is 
hard to overcome. One of the best methods of prevent- 
ing it is to spread the grain over a large area, as on 
the bottom of a manger, so that the horse cannot 
easily obtain large mouthfuls. There are iron feed- 
boxes, divided into small compartments, that accom- 
plish tlie same results. Smooth round stones, the 
size of a man's fist, can be placed in the ordinary 
feed -box, so that the horse is required to nose them 
over in order to get the grain. Animals that bolt 
their food should be given ground feed. 



Value of Exercise 



11 



EXERCISE 



Exercise is important in maintaining the general 
health and vigor of animals. The practice of keep- 
ing milch cows closely confined the year round, 
while conducive to an increased milk - flow, also 




Fig. 6. A good Yorkshire pig 

tends to weaken the animals' constitutions, and pre- 
dispose them to disease, especially to tuberculosis. 
Exercise is necessarj- to keep the muscles, digestive 
system, skin and other organs of the bod}^ in a 
healthy condition. But animals that are being fattened 
for the market should have very little exercise, as ex- 
ertion consumes some of the food that should go 



12 



The Care of Animals 




Fig. 7. Young Galloway bulls 

toward the making of fat. Cow barns should be 
provided witli ample j^ards, placed in such position 
that they are well protected from winds (Fig. 4). In 
severe weather, cows should be exercised under cover, 
as in a covered barnyard. 

PROTECTING THE ANIMALS 



Animals that have to be exposed to severe weather 
should be protected by means of blankets, especially 
when allowed to stand while sweating after severe ex- 
ertion. This is especially true of horses during cold 
weather. The best and most economical horse -blankets 
are the large, square, all-wool kinds. They should 
always be securely fastened on by means of straps or 
lai'ge blanket pins. During the summer, horses that 
are subjected to severe exertion, which causes them 
to sweat freely, can be protected from drafts and from 



The Care-tal-er 



13 



danger of taking cold by light thin blankets, com- 
monly known as "steaming blankets." 

In localities where flies and mosquitoes abound, 
it is economy to protect working animals against them 
bj^ the use of fly-nets; as the irritation of the animal, — 
to say nothing of the driver, — in fighting the pests, 
will be a serious loss of energy and nerve force. 

GIVE THE ANIMAL YOUR PERSONAL ATTENTION 

A sleek, well-fed, contented-looking animal is not 
often the result of accident. It is the product of good 
care. The successful stockman is the one who likes 
his animals. He will sacrifice his own comfort rather 
than theirs. He will not stop with a half hour's 




Fig. 8. Good Gralloway cattle at pasture 




Fif. 30. -lerseys iu good uiilli condition 




Titi. 11. ;iieriuob m goud stuck condition 



16 The Care of Animals 

grooming of his horse if the animal needs an hour's. 
"What do you give your horse to make him look so 
fine ? " the traveler asked of the English farm lad. 
"Lot's o' rubbin', sir," was the reply. 

The best of food, the fanciest stables, the most 
expensive implements and equipments, will not make 
up for the lack of good loving care. These are more 
than medicine or breed. Do not wait until your 
animal runs down before you inquire what ails him. 
It is better not to let him run down. 

Many persons do not know what a good animal is, 
even though they raise animals all their lives. Sleek, 
plump, close-haired, clean, docile, contented, — these 
are some of the words that we apply to animals that 
are well cared for. Scrawny, rough, restless, wild, 
dirty, — these are attributes of those that are poorly 
cared for. The accompanying pictures (Figs. 3-11) 
show good farm animals. Poor farm animals are so 
common that pictures of them are not needed. 



CHAPTER II 

THE CABE OF ANIMALS IN STABLES AND YARDS 

Aside from the necessity of stabling animals to 
protect them against inclement weather, it is often 
desirable to confine them for other reasons. Stabled 
animals are usually more gentle to handle, and their 
coats are improved in texture and appearance. The 
following brief remarks on stabling, however, are made 
from the veterinarian's point of view. 

In the construction of stables, strength, simplicity 
and plainness should be emphasized. Under these condi- 
tions, the stables may be easily cleaned and disinfected. 

The animals should stand, if possible, with their 
heads toward the center of the building. This arrange- 
ment of stalls provides better ventilation and also better 
lighting, as the light should be admitted, whenever 
possible, from behind the animals. In man and beast, 
sight is impaired by having to face a glare of light. 
With the larger animals, such as horses and cattle, 
it is best to confine them in separate stalls, where they 
can not get their heads together. There should be a 
sufficientlj^ strong partition between to keep them from 
turning crosswise and interfering with their neighbors. 
Animals that are not properly separated often fall into 
the habit of fighting each other. The feed-boxes 
should be so arranged that each animal is fed sepa- 

B (17) 



18 The Care of Animals 

rately, and is prevented from consuming another's food. 
Such an arrangement insures each animal a given 
amount of food, and it tends to prevent the spread 
of dangerous undetected diseases, as tuberculosis among 
cattle and glanders among horses. The front of the 
stalls should be built no higher than is necessary to 
keep the animal properly confined and to place the 
food within reach. When the animal is standing the 
expired air will pass out over the front of his stall. 

HORSE STALLS 

The size of stalls for horses must depend somewhat 
on the size of the animal to be confined. For ordi- 
nary horses the stalls should be at least five feet wide; 
five and a half to six feet is better. They should be 
nine and a half feet long. For flooring, hard wood 
two-inch planks, well matched, are excellent. Some hard 
woods are too slippery, however, and hemlock may be 
used. The floor of the stall should have a very gentle 
slope to the rear, the plank running lengthwise of the 
stall. It is more convenient to have the flooring of the 
passageway behind the animals at right angles to that 
of the stall, as it is easier to clean. The partition 
separating the stalls should be strongly made, well 
set and smoothly ceiled on each side. The rear of 
the partition should be well rounded. The feed -box 
and manger may be of iron or hard wood; if of the 
latter, the edges should be protected with strips of 
iron securely screwed down to prevent the animals 
from gnawing the wood. 



Horse Stalls and Cow Stalls 19 

Horses are best confined in stalls by means of stout 
leather halters, which can be tied to the railing or to 
any suitable place on the manger or side of partition. 
The tie should be secure and short enough to prevent 
the possibility of a horse getting a foot over the halter 
stale. An excellent method is to pass the halter stale 
through a rope or ring or over a pulley, and attach 
a light weight to the other end; this always keeps the 
rope taut enough to prevent accidents of this nature. 
In some cases, where animals do not stand well when 
tied by the head, they can be confined in the stall 
by a chain fastened across behind the animal ; this 
is also a good method of preventing the animal from 
backing and lying down in the manure. 

When room can be afforded, box stalls are desirable. 
These may be as much as twelve feet square, although 
ten by ten is a good size. In all horse stalls, provide 
high walls or partitions for kicking animals, — three 
and a half to four feet high. 

cow STABLES 

The general arrangement of a cow stable, from a 
veterinarian's point of view, should be similar to that 
of a horse stable, except that cement can be used more 
satisfactorily for feed-troughs, passageways and gut- 
ter behind the cows. Cement passageways for horse 
stables do not stand well on account of the danger of 
being cut up by sharp calks on the shoes. They are 
also likely to be slippery at times. 

The length of stalls for cattle must depend on the 



20 The Care of Animals 

size of the animals. For small cows of the dairy type 
the length of stall from the manger to edge of gutter 
should be from fifty -six to sixty -two inches; and for 
the larger beef breeds seventy -two inches. The floor- 
ing of the stalls should be planks, well matched, run- 
ning lengthwise of the stall and having a slight incline 
to the rear. The gutter behind the stall should be 
from four to five inches deep and about fifteen inches 
wide. The edge of the gutter next to the stall should 
be vertical; otherwise animals are liable to slip when 
stepping on it. 

The width of the stall should vary, according to the 
size of the animal, from thirty-eight to forty-five inches. 
There should be a partition extending far enough back 
to keep the animals from fighting each other and from 
turning crosswise of the stall so as to interfere with 
the neighboring animal or to soil the adjoining stall. 
In the narrower stalls for milch cows, it is an excel- 
lent plan to have the partition hinged near the cow's 
shoulder, so that the rear portion can be unhooked and 
swung aside or raised to give more room for the milker. 

The manger should be as low as convenient, and 
should be so divided that the food of each animal is 
kept in a separate compartment. In the stabling of 
cows, each animal should have her own stall assigned 
to her, and she should not be shifted from place to 
place. 

Cows are fastened in stalls in various ways. Some 
of the swinging or chain stanchions give good satisfac- 
tion. An excellent method is merely to stretch a chain 
across the rear of the stall Thi^ is a cheap and effi- 



Cleaning of Horses 21 

cient method if the stall is built of proper size; and it 
keeps the animal from being soiled by the droppings. 
Another economical and satisfactory method is to use 
a neck -strap to which a ring is fastened; through this 
ring a chain is passed from one side of the manger to 
the other, crosswise of the stall, and held in place by a 
slipping bolt; by means of a rope attached to this bolt 
and fastened to a lever, all the animals in a row can 
be released at once. 

The drainage from stables, especially from cow sta- 
bles, should be kept on the surface, as underground 
drains clog easily with the coarse material that is used 
for feed and bedding. Preferably, there should be no 
drainage of urine, for it should be absorbed in bedding 
for use as a fertilizer. 



THE G BOOMING OF HORSES 

In most respects the skin of animals resembles 
that of man, except that it is more densely covered 
with hair for protection. This affords a place for 
the lodgment of dust and dirt, which is frequently 
retained by coming in contact with the perspiration. 
Dirt frequently collects upon the skin and coat of 
animals from lying down, either in the stable or out 
of doors. In order to improve the appearance of 
an animal, and to contribute to its general health, the 
skin should be cleaned frequently. This is best done 
by means of a good bristle brush. In addition to 
this tool, a metal comb is required for the purpose 
of loosening such hard material as cannot be removed 



22 The Care of Animals 

with a briash. Combs, however, should be used lightly 
and only for the purpose of removing dirt. The es- 
sential part of grooming is to apply the bristle brush 
vigorously. This removes the accumulated dirt and 
dried perspiration, gives the coat a glossy appearance, 
and prevents various parasitic diseases of the skin. 
If possible, grooming should be performed after ani- 
mals have had exercise, as the perspiration produced 
by the exercise is then removed instead of being allowed 
to dry on the skin. This is especially important when 
the skin and coat are soiled with mud or water. After 
the coarse dirt is loosened by means of a curry-comb, 
it should be completely removed with the brush; and, 
after brushing, the loose dust can be removed from 
the outside of the coat by wiping with a slightly 
dampened cloth. 

The manes and tails of horses can be cleaned by 
using a very coarse comb and then thoroughly brush- 
ing with a mane brush, working on a small part of 
the mane or tail at a time. Curry-combs and finer 
combs should not be used upon the mane or tail, 
as they pull out and break off too many hairs. The 
mane and tail should be washed once in two weeks, 
care being taken to clean the skin thoroughly by 
using warm soft water and some mild soap ; after 
washing the hair, brushing it out straight and dry- 
ing it, a little bland oil or vaseline should be worked 
into the skin to keep it soft. 

In warm weather, when horses are brought in wet 
with perspiration, it is often a good plan to rinse 
them oft' thoroughly with water from which the chill 



Clipping Horses 23 

has been removed. Then with a slightly curved stick, 
commonly called a scraper, the dirt and sweat can be 
thoroughly removed. The skin should then be rubbed 
dry with rubbing cloths and the hair brushed down 
straight. 

THE CLIPPING OF HORSES 

When horses are kept in comfortable stables dur- 
ing the winter, and are well protected against cold 
by stable blankets while in the barn and by street 
blankets while standing out, there is no serious ob- 
jection to clipping them. It improves the appear- 
ance of the horse and his coat is more easily kept 
clean. Horses with long, thick coats should be clipped, 
as they usually sweat easily and their coats hold the 
moisture, so that if the animal is allowed to stand it 
is liable to take cold. If horses are clipped twice a 
year, the operation should be performed the first time 
soon after the hair has grown out in the fall. This 
allows them to become accustomed to the change be- 
fore cold weather sets in, and it also allows for some 
growth of hair before winter. They should be clipped 
the second time in early spring, as soon as the weather 
begins to . get warm and before the winter coats begin 
to be shed. 

When horses cannot be protected from the cold, 
either in the stable or outside, they should not be 
clipped in the fall; but the long hair on the legs, 
as far as the knee and hock, may be removed. This 
is particularly important in horses that are required 
to work in mud, as the legs are much more readily 



24 The Care of Animals 

kept clean, and diseases such as scratches, mud fever 
and others, all caused by irritation from mud or dirt, 
are prevented. 

THE CARE OF THE FEET 

The feet of animals should be looked after fre- 
quently and all accumulations of dirt removed. This 
is especially important with horses. Their feet should 
be examined and scraped out in the morning before 
being sent to work and at night after returning, as 
it is very common to find foreign bodies, such as 
nails and stones, either driven into the wall or sole 
of the foot, or collected in the clefts of the frog or 
between the bars and the frog. If the hoofs show 
a tendency to dry out and become hard and brittle 
they should be softened with some good oil or hoof 
ointment. If they are ragged and tend to split, 
they should be rasped on the edges and trimmed un- 
til smooth. When animals are closely confined in 
stalls, especially on bedding, the hoofs grow out long; 
and if not treated they will deform the animal and 
make traveling extremely difficult. This condition is 
often observed in sheep, cattle and horses when they 
do not get exercise enough to wear away the horn 
as rapidly as it grows. The hoofs of such animals 
can be trimmed by paring them with a knife, or, 
better, in most cases, by using hoof-paring instru- 
ments which are made for farriers. These resemble 
in construction a pair of pincers. In paring hoofs, 
care should be exercised not to cut them too short, 



Bedding for Animals 25 

as the animal is likely to become footsore. The hoofs 
of colts should be examined often to see that they 
are growing symmetrically. It sometimes happens 
that a piece is worn or broken from one side of 
a hoof, and this throws the weight of the body in 
such a way as to bring a strain upon the joints, 
that causes deformity or disease. In trimming hoofs, 
the outside of the wall should not be rasped or cut 
away, as it naturally forms a protective coating over 
the hoof. 

BEDDING 

Animals that are confined in stables through the 
night should be well bedded with some material that 
will not only make a comfortable place for them to 
lie on, but that will keep the animal clean and dry. If 
possible, a bedding should be used that will absorb 
moisture and help to keep the quarters clean. Bedding 
should be free from chemical substances or irritants 
that are liable to injure the skin or feet, or that would 
be injurious to the auimal if eaten. Among good 
substances used for bedding are straw, shavings, coarse 
hay, sawdust, peat moss and tan bark. 

The bedding in the stall should be spread so that 
most of it is fairly well forward, as there is a tendency 
for it to work backward with the movements of the 
animal. Heaping the bedding in the center of the 
stall should be avoided, in order to prevent the animals 
from getting cast. Rye -straw makes excellent bedding. 
It is bright and clean, is easily handled and wears 
well. The bedding should be removed from stalls in 



26 The Care of Anmials 

the morning, and, if possible, spread in the sun where 
it can be thoroughly dried; this not only purifies the 
bedding but puts it out of the way while the stall 
is being thoroughly scraped and aired. 

CARE OF SWINE 

In the rearing of swine it is important that they be 
not closely confined, except when they are being fattened 
for the market. If possible they should be allowed 
a large range, with much green food. Swine belong 
to the class which is known as omnivorous animals, 
because of the great variety of food, both animal and 
vegetable, that they eat. As a rule, swine do not thrive 
well when closely confined, or when fed largely on 
one kind of food. They may increase in flesh, but their 
systems seem weakened and predisposed to disease. 
Swine should be changed frequently from pasture to 
pasture, and the runs should be so arranged that the 
animals have plenty of clean water to drink. In sum- 
mer they should have some protection against the 
sun. In winter it is necessary to give them protection 
against cold, as the hair and bristles are a very poor 
protection. 

If allowed access to straw -stacks swine will burrow 
into the straw and secure protection in this way, but 
such stacks should be destroyed at the end of each 
season. It is still better if the straw is changed once 
or twice during the winter. When special pens are 
built for swine, they should be so arranged that they 
can be easily and thoroughly cleaned. Cement answers 



General Care of Swine 27 

well for a part of the floor, but in those parts in which 
the animals sleep and in which young pigs are kept, 
a well -matched plank floor is better. Young pigs that 
are kept on cement floors are likely to suffer from 
lameness and enlarged joints. 

When a large number of swine are kept, it is best 
to have them divided into separate lots, and not to 
confine very many together. They should be given 
a variety of food and allowed access to fresh, clean 
earth. There is often noticed in swine a disposition 
to eat dirt; this indicates a craving for mineral sub- 
stances. This appetite can usually be satisfied by a 
mixture of one part of common salt, two parts of air- 
slaked lime, one part of sulfur, two parts of charcoal, 
and one part of wood -ashes. This mixture should be 
placed where the swine can get it freely. In case 
garbage or swill from cities is used, care must be 
taken in its feeding, as such material is likely to con- 
tain substances that are poisonous. Garbage or animal 
food that is badly decomposed is also likelj' to contain 
poisons. Swine need clean w^holesome food, as well as 
other animals. 

In case swine are confined in permanent buildings 
during the winter, the quarters should be thoroughly 
cleaned, disinfected and whitewashed as soon as the 
animals can be turned out to pasture. 

It is often an excellent plan to have some rubbing- 
posts in the yards w^here swine are kept. Old cloths 
tied to these posts and kept saturated with crude petro- 
leum furnish excellent means for ridding the hogs of 
lice. 



28 The Care of Animals 

YARDS AND CORRALS 

Yards and corrals in which animals have been con- 
fined for feeding or other purposes should be thoroughly 
renovated at least once a year, preferably in the spring. 
All manure, litter and rubbish should be removed, and 
puddles should be drained or filled. If any loose earth 
remains it should be carried away; but if this is not 
possible it can be stirred several times by means of a 
harrow or hoe, to allow the sun free access to it. If 
any sheds exist, they should be thoroughly cleaned and a 
coat of whitewash or other disinfectant applied. Allow- 
ing the yards and corrals to remain unoccupied through 
the summer is an excellent method of disinfecting. 
Weeds should not be allowed to grow in the yard. 

QUARANTINE 

Quarantining is the separating and isolating from 
healthy animals of those suffering from a contagious 
or infectious disease. Whenever there is suspicion of 
a contagious disease the animals should be quarantined 
until the nature of the disease is known. Healthy 
animals should be removed from those that are sus- 
pected, and taken to quarters where no sick animals 
have been confined. This is better than to remove the 
sick animals from the healthy, leaving the latter in 
infected quarters or on ground that may have become 
infected from the excretions of the sick animals. 

Care should further be taken that the healthy ani- 
mals are not exposed by means of infected food, water- 



Quarantine 29 

ing places or feed -boxes. The sick animals should be 
separated from the others by some distance, and their lo- 
cation be such that the drainage is away from the healthy 
animals. Affected animals should not be allowed access 
to streams, as the infection may be carried by the water. 

Some diseases are carried from sick to healthy ani- 
mals by means of flies or other insects. When sick 
animals are confined in buildings it is possible to pro- 
tect them from insects, so that this source of danger 
is eliminated. Should other cases of the disease occur 
among animals that have been removed from the sick, 
the healthy animals should again be separated from 
the sick and removed to other non- infected quarters. 

When animals have been quarantined, a separate 
attendant should be secured to care for the sick ones. 
If this is not possible, the attendant should care for 
the healthy animals first, and after caring for the sick 
should provide himself with a change of clothing. In 
handling contagious diseases, precautions should always 
be taken that the attendant does not himself become 
infected; for some diseases, among them glanders, an- 
thrax, probably tuberculosis and some parasitic diseases, 
may be communicated from animals to man. 



CHAPTER III 

THE CABE OF PETS 

The care of pet animals must depend very largely 
on the species of animal, and on the location as to 
whether in the city or country. In the country pets 
are very much more easily cared for and much less 
liable to disease and injury, on account of the freedom, 
variety of food, exercise and free surroundings. In 
choosing pets, it is good policy to select pure-bred 
animals of excellent individuality, as it costs no more 
to keep a good individual than a poor one, and the in- 
creased satisfaction that results is ample compensation. 
In choosing pets two points should be taken into con- 
sideration: (1) Docility, as it is much easier to care 
for quiet animals than for uneasy and nervous ones; 
(2) as a rule, medium -sized, short-haired animals are 
most easily cared for. In some cases, as in Angora 
cats, the long hair is a leading attraction; and these 
instances, therefore, are exceptions to the rule. If 
possible, one should select pets that can be kept for 
use as well as for pleasure. 

In those animals in which the beauty and interest 
lie largely in the coat, extra care and precaution must 
be taken to keep it in prime condition. Light -colored 
animals require more attention than dark ones. 

In caring for pets it is important that the natural 
(30) 



Food for Pet Animals 31 

tastes of the animal be taken into consideration; con- 
sider whether it is herbivorous, living largely upon 
grass and grain, or carnivorous, subsisting chiefly on 
meat and other animal foods. Yet domesticated ani- 
mals are usually not exclusively restricted to one diet, 
but will eat a variety of both animal and vegetable 
foods. Such variety, if palatable, is important in main- 
taining health and vigor. 

A food that is suited to nearlj^ all pets, since it fur- 
nishes all the necessary elements for their growth, is 
milk. It should be fed while sweet and preferably 
while it is warm from the cow. Warm milk seems 
to possess unknown health -giving qualities that dis- 
appear after it has been kept a half day or more. In 
feeding milk to pets, care should be taken not to 
allow them to have too much at a time. One of the 
greatest dangers to pet animals is overfeeding. They 
should be allowed small quantities frequently in order 
to keep them in a thrifty, vigorous condition. 

DOGS 

Among animals that are kept for pets as well as 
for use, the dog undoubtedly holds the first place. 
Upon farms where stock is kept, a well -broken collie 
dog is an unfailing source of help and satisfaction, 
while an unbroken dog is a continual nuisance. In 
handling stock with a dog, it is important that the 
dog be well trained, and that great care be exercised 
while the animals are getting used to being managed 
by him. When these two conditions are fulfilled it is 



32 The Care of Animals 

surprising how easily and economically stock can be 
taken care of. 

Dogs are usually selected on account of their beauty, 
size, markings, intelligence, or some individuality that 
may appeal to the fancy of the chooser. In deciding 
this matter the question of male or female is often 
important. If intended for a house dog, bitches are 
frequently preferred, as they are generally more tidy 
in habits and often more easily trained than male 
dogs. The disadvantage, provided one does not wish 
to breed them, is the period of heat which occurs about 
once in six months, beginning usually when the bitch 
is about one year old. During this period there is 
a tendency for the bitch to leave home and for other 
dogs to gather and remain about the premises. When 
bitches are kept without spaying, and it is not desired 
to breed them, during the period of heat they should 
be completely isolated at a considerable distance from 
other dogs, preferably in such a place as a barn loft 
or cellar, where the dogs will not be attracted. They 
should be kept isolated for at least ten days, or during 
the whole period of heat. If the bitch is not to be 
kept for breeding purposes it is usually best to have 
her spayed, preferably before she has come in heat at 
all. Spayed bitches make excellent house dogs, the 
only objection to them being that they take on fat 
readily. In some communities unspayed bitches are 
taxed heavily in comparison with male dogs, but a 
certificate showing that the bitch has been spayed 
usually brings them under the same tax rates as other 
dogs. 



Care of Puppies 33 

If one wishes a dog to break or train for a special 
purpose, a young animal should be chosen. There is, 
of course, an increased danger of loss from death, 
especially if the puppy has not yet had dog distemper; 
but it is a great advantage to get acquainted with the 
puppy, and to begin to break him while he is still 
tractable. Puppies, as a rule, are weaned at four to 
six weeks old. After weaning they should be fed fresh 
milk diluted one -third with boiled water. In this milk 
dry crusts or a small amount of dog-cake may be soaked. 
A piece of bread or dog- cake may also be given dry 
for them to gnaw on, but it should not be supplied 
in small pieces that they can swallow whole. Long- 
haired puppies and kittens get the hair about the 
mouth dirty and matted with the food they eat. The 
parts should be carefully washed, else the skin may 
become sore. If possible to avoid it, puppies should 
not be washed all over until they are half grown. 

When it is necessary to wash puppies or kittens, 
use warm water and apply it with a sponge or soft 
rag. Avoid immersing the animal in a cold bath, as 
it is likely to cause a nervous shock. After long- 
haired puppies are six to eight months old, they may 
be washed, using soft, warm water and a mild soap. 
Some of the tar soaps are excellent, as they have a 
soothing action on the skin, and have a tendency to 
free the dog of vermin. After washing, the soap 
can be rinsed out and the hair dried by rubbing with 
cloths or by allowing the animal to roll in clean straw 
in a sunny place. 

It is important that puppies and their quarters be 



34 The Care of Animals 

kept clean, in order to avoid injury from parasites. 
Young dogs should be kept in roomy quarters where 
they have access to a sunny yard, and a dry place in 
which to sleep. It is best to keep but a few together 
in one yard. Puppies are active animals and need 
much exercise. It is a good plan to take them out- 
side their quarters once or twice daily for exercise, but 
they should not be taken very far, especially when 
young. Dogs that are closely confined are likely to 
lack vigor and suffer from indigestion, diseases of the 
joints, and the like. Dogs that run wild are more 
difficult to break and handle. 

When puppies get to be two months old a little 
meat maybe given. It should not be supplied in large 
pieces, for they are likely to swallow it without proper 
mastication. Large bones compel the dog to gnaw the 
meat off and are much better. When several puppies 
are fed together, care should be exercised that the 
stronger ones do not get more than their share. Again, 
in feeding puppies in company with old dogs, see that 
the puppies secure their share of the food, and that 
they are not bitten or injured by older ones. It is 
much better to feed each animal by itself, so that it 
will not be disturbed by others. 

When only a few dogs are kept, scraps from the 
table furnish a variety of excellent food, especially 
when a small amount of meat -gravy or drippings is 
added. When there are many dogs, well-baked corn- 
bread that has been slightly salted is an excellent and 
economical addition to the diet. Dogs always should 
be allowed all the clean water they want to drink. 



Training Bogs 35 

THE BREAKING OF DOGS FOR FARM PURPOSES 

The essentials to a good trainer of dogs are: (1) An 
interest in the animal; (2) a knowledge of what is 
required; (3) good judgment and patience. It is an 
excellent plan to have an older and well -broken dog 
to assist in the training, as dogs are imitative. The 
pupp3' quickl}' learns what is wanted by association 
with the older dog. In breaking dogs to handle stock, 
it is also a great advantage to have stock that is used 
to being driven by a dog, upon which to break the puppy. 
Stock that is not used to a dog is often easily frightened, 
or it may fight the dog. If a puppy is hurt or gets into 
a notion of chasing stock, bad habits may be formed 
that are difficult to overcome. 

The first essential in breaking a dog for any purpose 
is to teach him to mind. Dogs are intelligent and 
affectionate animals, and are usually gratified to do 
the will of the master. If possible, an animal should 
be broken to mind without fear of punishment. When 
a dog obeys and does the required task, he should be 
rewarded by a Avord, caress or bit of something to eat. 
When it is necessary to punish a dog for disobedience, 
the trainer should be sure that the animal understands 
what is wanted, and if he refuses to do the task he 
should be punished judiciously — the punishment de- 
pending largely on the nature and disposition of the 
dog. Dogs of a sensitive organization must be pun- 
ished cautiously; it is usually a good plan to shut the 
dog up alone after punishment and allow him to think 
it over. A mistake that 'is commonly made by novices 



36 The Care of Animals 

in training dogs or other animals is to attempt to 
teach too much at once. A dog should be trained to 
do one thing, and do it well, before another lesson is 
attempted. Dogs that are confined either by chains 
or in yards are easier to break than those that run at 
large. 

When a dog has a tendency to run away, and chase 
stock or game a strong cord attached to the collar is 
of great help in controlling him. If the dog is head- 
strong, a collar with spikes on the inside, just long 
enough to prick him sharply, can be used. The dog 
should be spoken to sharply and firmly, and if he does 
not mind a slight, jerk on the collar will serve to re- 
mind him. All faults and weaknesses in young dogs 
should be watched for and corrected as soon as possi- 
ble, as they are likely to grow rapidly and to become 
firmly fixed habits as the animal gets older. This is 
especially true of a tendency to be cross to other ani- 
mals or to people. It is difficult to break an old dog 
of this vice. It is an adage that you cannot teach an 
old dog new tricks. 

In breaking dogs avoid shouting, as it is as easy to 
teach them to mind a single word or whistle, and much 
more satisfactory. One of the surest wa^^s to spoil a 
dog is to club him or punish him severely for some 
error which he may not understand and then allow 
him to go free. 

CATS 

Cats hold a prominent place as pets on account 
of their cleanlj^, domestic natures, and their useful- 



The House Jiold Cat 



37 



ness in keeping premises free from rats and mice. 
The chief objection to them is that they do not al- 
ways distinguish between animals that are to be pro- 
tected and those that are to be destroyed. They 
often prey upon the birds about the premises and 
even on j'oung chickens. 




Fig. 12. The household pet 

In country places cats require no special care or 
attention except such as may be given to fancy in- 
dividuals. Milk and table scraps, supplemented by 
what they gather in foraging, furnish a good variety 
of food. In cities, where it is necessary to confine 
them, the problem is more difficult. If possible the 



38 The Care of Animals 

quarters for cats should be warm, sunny and dry. 
A bed of clean straw is better than a pillow, be- 
cause easily renewed, as it should be from time to 
time. A pan with dry earth or sawdust should be 
kept where the cat may have access to it. This 
should be changed frequently, as cats are cleanly 
animals. In feeding young cats, care must be exer- 
cised that they do not eat too much, as indigestion 
induced by this cause may bring on convulsions or 
"fits." 

When a kitten has a convulsion it should be 
wrapped in warm cloths and placed in quiet quarters; 
after it recovers a half teaspoonful of mustard mixed 
with a little tepid water may be given to induce vomit- 
ing and thus to empty the stomach. This maybe fol- 
lowed with one -half to one teaspoonful of castor oil 
administered with a little warm milk to purge the 
bowels. Usually cats that can run out of doors will 
eat grass or other green leaves that tend to cor- 
rect digestive troubles. When cats are confined, bits 
of celery may be given in the place of grass and 
leaves. 

Caring for the coats of pet animals is important. 
Cats and dogs can be washed frequently with some 
mild soap and warm soft water ; the soap should 
then be riused from the skin and the hair should 
be laid in the proper direction before it dries; after 
the body is dry the coat can be gone over with a soft 
brush. Brushing the coat is much better than comb- 
ing it. Some cats can become accustomed to washing 
with water, but most of them resent it. A little 



Care of Cats 39 

sweet cream rubbed on the coat induces the average 
cat to lick the hair down smoothh^ 

The following advice on the care of cats, by C. 
H. Jones, editor of "The Cat Journal," is reprinted, 
by permission from "Country Life in America" for 
November, 1902 : 

"There are two mistaken opinions regarding cats; 
one, that the cat is a hardy animal; the other, that a 
cat, no matter how or where abandoned, is able to 
provide for itself. 

"First, a cat is not a hardy animal; her organiza- 
tion is delicate, her nervous system sensitive. Second, 
a cat cannot always provide for herself, even in her 
natural state and with all her native instincts unim- 
paired. Even man, when unaided, often fails here. 
In hard winters the Indian starves in his wigwam, and 
the wild -cat starves in the woods. Much less, then, is 
a cat that is accustomed to the comforts of a home 
and the surroundings of civilized life able to take 
care of herself. Of all the cats abandoned each year 
when the summer cottages are closed, the greater part 
lose their 'nine lives ' and are 'gathered to their 
fathers ' long before the winter is half over. 

"People who pay high prices for Persians and An- 
goras are willing to take pains to keep them in health 
and life, and they try to give them proper attention; 
but while care is needed, it is easy to give them 
too much if knowledge is lacking on the part of owners. 
The pet is fed with wrong foods at wrong times, and 
if a little indisposition manifests itself it is usually 
faithfully drugged and killed off in the best of style. 



40 The Care of Animals 

"The common causes of death among- cats are teeth- 
ing, worms and overfeeding, especially the last. Cats 
should be fed only at regular intervals, like individ- 
uals who wish to keep well; adult cats twice a day; 
kittens not over four times. If there are but few 
cats in the house, feed them from the assortment left 
from the table, including a liberal proportion of vege- 
tables and cereals. Beef and mutton are good; also 
white -meated fish cooked and boned, raw cream, fresh 
or scalded milk. A little lack of appetite should 
cause no alarm. Remember that more cats die from 
overeating than from starvation. It is better to err 
on the side of underfeeding. 

''Soft foods, like oatmeal, must be thoroughly well 
cooked. Rolled oat preparations should cook at least 
six hours. Dry package foods are better. In case of 
bowel looseness, no solid foods should be given; the 
animal should be fed for a time on scalded milk, 
which may be strengthened by adding arrowroot, rice 
or oatmeal water, or any of the patented baby foods. 
Liver is an intestinal irritant, lacking nutriment; it 
should be given only cooked, and occasionally as a 
relish. Most cats are fond of a food made of one 
part finely chopped beef or mutton, two parts stale 
whole wheat or graham bread softened with water; 
add an Qgg or two, and bake till thoroughly cooked 
but not crisped. This is a wholesome and an ex- 
cellent preparation. It is a good food to use in ship- 
ping. Sprinkle a little pinch of sulfur on the soft- 
boiled or poached Qgg that you give them twice a week, 
or if they are not partial to egg, it may be sprinkled 



Care of Cats 41 

on the other food. As sulfur is practically tasteless, 
they will not object to its use in this manner. 

"A common cause of sickness, especially in long- 
haired cats, is clogging of the stomach and intestines 
with hair in the shedding season. The cat should 
be brushed daily with a soft bristle brush, removing 
by this gentle process as much of the hair as possi- 
ble. This will not prevent the cat from licking itself 
and swallowing hair; but it w^ill prevent it, to a cer- 
tain extent, from becoming dangerously injured by 
it. During the 'molting season,' give daily with her 
food a dessert -spoonful of fresh olive oil; if she ob- 
jects to this, mix it with a little juice from a can of 
salmon. The oil will assist her in disposing of the 
hair in a natural manner. If the cat throws up casts 
of hair, congratulate her, as it is one of nature's ways 
of affording relief. 

"Cats should be kept free from matted clots of hair, 
for vermin deposit their eggs in these. A comb will 
disentangle them if used in time, but if they do not 
easily yield, work them full of vaseline, and leave 
over night; this loosens them so that a comb should 
remove them; but if they still resist, remove them with 
scissors, taking care not to hurt the skin. This matted 
hair is usually dead hair and should come out. 

"Washing cats is not a good practice. In case of 
sickness, for sanitary purposes, dry boracic acid, dusted 
into the hair and brushed out, will accomplish the re- 
sult desired with less annoyance to the animal. If 
the cat needs cleaning, fill the fur with damp, warm 
bran and brush it. 



42 The Care of Animals 

"At the first sign of dryness of the ear, fill with dry 
boracic acid and leave in the ear. This applied daily 
for a week will usually bring* about natural and health- 
ful conditions. If the kitten scratches her ear, crying 
at the same time, examine the ear; if it is coated or 
partially filled with a dr^-, scaly, bloody substance, a 
few drops of peroxide of hydrogen mixed witlj an equal 
quantity of water, dropped into the ear, will cause a 
foam to appear. Wipe this off with a soft dry cloth, 
then dust in dry boracic acid. A few such treatments 
will usually effect a cure. The malady, if neglected, 
almost always ends in an abscess. 

"In general, one should not be in too much haste 
to doctor a cat. If there is no certainty as to what 
her trouble is, and no specialist on cat diseases ac- 
cessible, it is better simply to keep her warm and 
feed her on light diet, and leave nature to effect a 
cure. This is far preferable to filling her system with 
a lot of drugs that are perhaps not indicated by the 
symptoms. Remedies recommended for dogs are gen- 
erally fatal to cats, and must be used with great 
caution and given only by a specialist. Anything 
containing carbolic acid is almost certain death to a 
cat. A sick cat wants quiet; so do not torment her 
by fussing over her all the time, for by this mis- 
taken kindness you may kill the animal, 

"If a kitten has a fit, which is usually caused by 
teething, worms, too much or too strong food, sub- 
merge her at once to the neck in warm water, with 
cold water on her head; leave for five or ten minutes, 
then dry with a soft cloth, old newspapers, or tissue 



Care of BahMfs 43 

paper, and lay in a dark place, cover warmly and let 
aloue. If you notice the spasm coming on, place cold 
water on her head immediately and it will usually 
prevent the trouble. There is no danger of being bit- 
ten by a kitten in a fit. 

^' A powdery substance through the fur indicates fleas. 
Saturate with olive oil. This brings the vermin to the 
surface, where they may be easily killed. If it is a 
nursing kitten, wash, after using the oil, with white 
castile, or some mild antiseptic soap and thoroughly 
dry; otherwise the mother may desert her. If she is not 
nursing, leave the oil on for a few days. It does not 
make her look pretty, but she will not mind this and 
you need not, as it gives her perfect rest from the fleas. 
Never believe that a flea is dead until you hear it crack 
or see it in the hot water. Fleas quickly reduce the 
vitality of a cat; she will die if they are not removed. 
Cat -fleas will not get on human beings. Cat -fleas are, 
different from dog -fleas." 

RABBITS AND HARES 

Rabbits and hares (Fig. 13) are popular pets and 
are also used extensively as food. They are easily han- 
dled and kept. While naturally herbivorous, they will 
eat a great variety of food. Pens for rabbits should 
be constructed in dry, sunnj^ situations, and should 
have good drainage. The walls of the pens should be 
strongly constructed, so that they will not only prevent 
the escape of the rabbits, but also protect them 
against the attacks of dogs from the outside. To keep 



44 



The Care of Animals 



the rabbits from burrowing out, the walls must be car- 
ried down deep into the earth, or else the floor of the 
yards must be paved or covered with chicken -wire. 




Fig. 13. Belgian hares 

Rabbits are fond of burrowing, and it is therefore 
generally considered beneficial to have the floors of dry 
earth. If the pens are kept well littered with straw or 
similar material, the animals seldom dig much, but if 
they once get access to the earth they mil burrow rapidly. 



Bahhits and Hares 45 

A yard sixteen by twenty feet will accommodate 
twenty rabbits, or even more. A part of the yard 
should be covered in some way to afford shade. In 
connection with the yard, a house five by eight feet 
should be constructed; it should be well ventilated and 
lighted, with the window so arranged that it can be 
darkened. The entrance from the yard to the house 
should be through about two lengths of five -inch tile, 
one joint inclining downward from the j^ard and the 
second joint inclined upward into the house. Rabbits 
seem to enjoy running through a tunnel. It is useful 
in preventing the entrance of cats, as they will seldom 
crawl through a long tunnel of this character. Should 
dogs gain entrance to a yard they will usually dig at 
the end of the tile rather than attempt to dig under 
the wall. Straw can be used for litter in the house, 
but it should be removed frequently and burned. 

During the winter months rabbits and Belgian hares 
can be fed clover or alfalfa hay, oats, apples, cabbages 
and other materials of this character. The pens should 
be cleaned frequently and disinfected with a five per 
cent solution of carbolic acid every month or six 
weeks to prevent infectious diseases and to destroy 
parasites. 

In breeding rabbits, one buck is usually sufficient 
for twenty does. The buck and the does should be 
kept separate. When a doe is about to give birth to 
young, she should be separated from the others until 
the litter is two weeks old. When the bucks get to 
be two months old they should be castrated, or they 
will fight each other and will not fatten readily. 



46 The Care of Animals 

CAVIES OR GUINEA PIGS 

The cavy or Guinea pig makes an admirable pet, 
and it may be used as food. It is a prolific breeder. 
It occurs in great variety of color and texture of fur. 
Cavies are easily kept and are free from the strong 
odor that characterizes rabbits. When it is^ necessary 
to keep the pet animals in a small yard or even in 
the house or barn, the Guinea pig is preferable to the 
rabbit. The food it requires is practically the same 
as for rabbits, with bread and milk and table scraps. 
Fresh water should be supplied often to rabbits and 
Guinea pigs, and the quarters always should be kept 
clean and dry. 

When rabbits and Guinea pigs are kept in large 
numbers and the quarters are not well cared for, an 
infectious pneumonia or blood-poisoning often breaks 
out among them and destroys large numbers. In case 
such a disease appears, the uninfected animals should 
be removed to a clean, dry place. The old quarters 
should be thoroughly cleaned, then disinfected with a 
5 per cent solution of carbolic acid, and after being 
thoroughly dried should be whitewashed or painted 
before other animals are placed in them. 

PET POULTRY 

Most children are fond of pet animals. The pets are 
not only a source of much enjoyment but are of real 
educational value. Pet animals instil a love for nature 
and a respect for the feelings and rights of other 



Pet Foultry 47 

beings. The necessary feeding, handling and care 
develop the feeling of responsibility that is of great 
importance in the training of children. The essential 
requirements in children's pets are that they should be 
docile, attractive, cleanly and easily cared for. They 




Fig. 14. Brahma and chicks 

should not b€ very delicate, else they cannot be easily 
raised with a moderate amount of attention. Pets 
should also be such as are adapted to the surroundings. 
Pet poultry, as a rule, meets the requirements more 
fully than other animals. 

Chickens and some other poultry can be kept in 
small numbers almost anj^where, if a small plot of ground 
is available, or even in a barn. The food is readily 
procured, the birds are easily cared for, and returns 



48 



The Care of Animals 



come quickly. Of the various breeds of poultry that 
combine beauty with economic value, the Gold or 
Silver Spangled Hamburgs can scarcely be excelled. 
The Bantams are very attractive to children, but their 
general utility is impaired by their small size. 




Fig. 15. Ducks with a hen mother 

Children should be consulted in the arrangement of 
quarters; and the devising of locations for the nests 
can be left largely to them. It is a source of delight 
to arrange nests or to find those that the hens have 
located, and the gathering, caring for and disposal of 
the eggs is an interesting and important training. The 
selection of eggs for hatching, the setting of the hen 
and her care during the sitting period, the evidence of 



Pet Foultnj 49 

the young chicks in the shell, ''pipping" of the Qgg, 
the bursting of the shell and appearance of the active 
fluffy little chicks are constant sources of wonder and 
expectation. The care of the mother- hen and her 
brood is perhaps the most interesting to children. The 
motherly solicitude of the hen for her chicks and the 
care and protection she gives her brood, appeal to 
childish sympathies. 

When it is desirable to make pets of chickens so that 
the}' can be readily handled, young chicks should be 
selected and the child be allowed to train them by care- 
ful handling. Chickens are easily taught simple lessons. 
To do this a little attractive food is the best means of 
training them to respond to simple demands. Care is 
required in handling chickens in order to avoid hnrting 
them, as pain soon makes them timid. The proper 
method of handling is to catch the chicken either by 
the legs or between the outspread hands. The chicken 
can be carried by tucking it under the right arm, in the 
upright position with the head forward. Avoid injur- 
ing the chicken by carrying with the head downward 
or holding by the wings. 

Chickens are so easily and quickly reared that the 
children may easily be set to experimenting with differ- 
ent kinds. For efficiency, however, one kind is prefer- 
able to many. See that the quarters are light, warm 
and airy, and do not confine the food to grain alone. 



D 




Fig. 16. The Parts o? a Horse 



1. Muzzle 

2. Nostril 

3. Forehead 

4. Face 

5. Cheek 

6. Poll 

7. Crest 

8. Neck 

9. Shoulder 

10. Point of shoulder 

11. Breast 

12. Elbow 



13. Fore-arm 

14. Knee 

15. Cannon bone 

16. Fetlock 

17. Pastern 

18. Hoof 

19. Withers 

20. Back 

21. Ribs — side of chest 

22. Belly 

23. Flank 

24. Croup 



25. Dock 

26. Point 

27. Havmch 

28. Tail 

29. Stifle 

30. Gaskin 

31. Hock 

32. Point of hock 

33. Cannon bone 

34. Fetlock 

35. Pastern 

36. Hoof 



CHAPTER IV 

THE HORSE — JUDGING AND HANDLING 

The ability to judge horses and to determine their 
relative values for definite purposes is usually acquired 
only by experience. There is no short-cut way of de- 
terming the merits or soundness of a horse. The horse- 
man must familiarize himself thoroughly with the 
animal; and the better he likes a horse the better judge 
he will be. Some points which are recognized as impor- 
tant by good judges are mentioned below. These points 
are, of course, not infallible, but they may be suggestive 
to the novice. 

AGE 

The age of a horse determines, in a general way, 
the limit of its usefulness. Still, it is not always a 
sure guide to follow. A well-preserved horse, of good 
disposition and nervous temperament, is often younger 
at sixteen, as far as activity and usefulness go, than 
many another horse is at eight. But the average horse 
has reached the limit of his usefulness at twenty years 
of age. Exceptional cases may not have entirely out- 
lived their usefulness at thirty, and instances are re- 
corded of horses having lived for more than fifty years. 

A horse's age is commonly determined hy an exam- 
ination of the individual teeth. This is usually an ac- 

(51) 



52 The Care of Atmnals 

curate method until the tenth or twelfth year. After 
this period the general appearance of the teeth and the 
bones of the head are relied upon in determining age. 
In colts, the bones of the face and lower jaw have a 
fall, rounded appearance, because the roots of the teeth 
extend far into the bone. The face gradually becomes 
more concave on the sides, the lower jaw thinner from 
side to side, and the lower edge much sharper. The 
hollows above the horse's eyes become deeper, and the 
bones more prominent, due to the absorption of fat from 
this region. Unscrupulous horse -jockeys sometimes 
make a small incision through the skin and fill up this 
depression by blowing it full of air. This practice is 
commonly called ^'puffing the glims." It is a deception 
that is easily recognized. As horses get older there is 
a tendency for the hair to turn gray in the region of the 
muzzle and the eyes, and there is a general appearance 
of advancing age that is difficult to describe. 

THE TEETH OF THE HORSE 

In the mature horse's mouth, the teeth which are 
used for biting the food are twelve in number, six 
in each jaw. They are situated just within the lips, 
and are called the incisors. The molars, or grinders, 
are the large double teeth, whose function it is to mas- 
ticate, or grind, the food. There are twenty-four of 
these, six in each half of both upper and lower jaws. 
In males, there is an extra tooth called the canine, or 
"bridle" tooth on each half jaw, in the space between 
the incisors and the molars. These are sometimes found 



Names of the Teeth 53 

in mares, but are usually small and not well developed. 
In a complete set of teeth, the mare has thirty -six, and 
the horse forty. Small, extra molars are sometimes 
f-ound in front of the first molars on the upper jaw, 
(rarely on the lower), commonly called "wolf teeth." 

The molar teeth are distinguished b}^ numbering 
them from before backwards, and by using the terms 
right and left, — as, the third right upper molar. The 
incisor teeth are named according to their position: tbe 
two teeth occupying the middle are called the central 
incisors ; one on either side of these is called a lateral 
incisor; the two outer ones, one on either side, are 
called the corner incisors. 

A horse has two sets of teeth. The temporary, or 
"milk" set, twenty -four in number, consists of twelve 
incisors and twelve molars. There are three incisors 
and three molars in each half of each jaw. These dif- 
fer from the permanent set described above by being 
smaller, whiter, and having a well-defined constriction, 
or neck, at the gum. 

The temporary teeth in colts are erupted, or "cut ," as 
follows: At birth a colt has three temporary molars on 
each jaw and the two central incisors or "nippers." 
They may be covered by thin skin, which breaks within 
a day or two. The lateral incisors on both jaws are 
erupted at four to six Aveeks, and the corner incisors 
at six to ten months. Thus, at one year old the colt 
has a full set of twenty -four temporary teeth. 

The temporary incisors are replaced by permanent 
teeth, as follows: The two central incisors are shed at 
about two and a half years, and the permanent ones 



54 



The Care of Animals 




Fig. 17. Horse's teeth at four years of age 



are up "in wear" at three years. The lateral incisors 
are shed at three and a half years and the permanent 
ones are up and in wear at four years. The corner 
incisors are shed at four and a half and the per- 
manent ones are up 
and in wear at five. 
(Fig. 17). ^ 

The molars are 
erupted and replaced 
as follows : The 
fourth molar on each 
jaw (which is always 
a permanent molar) 
is erupted at ten to 
JIV J^ twelve months; the 

^m ^^^^ fifth permanent mo- 

lar, at two to two 
and a half years, 
and the sixth usually 
at four and a half 
to five. The first 
and second molars, 
which are tempo- 
rary, are shed and re- 
placed by permanent 
ones at two to two and a half years of age. The third 
temporary molar is replaced by a permanent one at about 
the age of three and a half years. In males, the canine 
or "bridle" teeth are erupted at about four and a half 
years of age. A five-year-old colt has a "full mouth" 
of permanent teeth (Fig. 18), and at this age 




Fig. 18. Horse's teeth at five years of age 



Horse^s Teeili 



55 



a colt becomes a horse and a filly becomes a mare. 
The temporary teeth are usually shed easily; the per- 
manent teeth pushing up from below cause the roots of 
the temporary ones to be absorbed, until they finally 
become mere" caps," 
attached to the gum. 
Sometimes the tem- 
porary corner in- 
cisors are extracted 
in order to make a 
colt or a filh^ appear 
older than it is. 
Such a practice is not 
to be commended. 

When the perma- 
nent incisors are first 
erupted, well-defined 
"date -cavities" exist 
in their upper sur- 
faces. These cavi- 
ties, dark brown or 
black in color, nar- 
row from before back 
and wide from side to 
side, extend quite a 
depth into the tooth. Each date- cavity is surrounded 
by a very narrow band of enamel, which can be 
distinguished from the yellower dentine that com- 
poses most of the substance of the tooth. The date- 
cavities wear out and disappear from the lower incisors 
at the following ages: From the lower central incisors 




Fig. 20. Horse's teeth at seven years of age 



56 



The Care of An i Dials 




Fig. 21. Horse's teeth at eight years of age 



the cavity has largely disappeared at six years (Fig*. 
19), the lateral at seven years (Fig. 20) and the corners 
at eight years of age (Fig. 21). The date -cavities in 

the incisors of the 
upper jaw do not dis- 
appear as regularl}'" as 
the lower, and are less 
to be depended upon. 
In general, the date- 
cavities disappear 
from the central up- 
per incisors from nine to nine and a half years; from 
the lateral upper incisors from ten to ten and a half; 
and from the upper corner incisors from eleven to twelve 
years. Date -cavities sometimes persist in the upper 
incisors for a longer period, especially in horses that are 
stall-fed. In examining date-cavities, a careful com- 
parison with the preceding and succeeding years should 
always be made. After a date -cavity is worn out, a 
small black spot called a "dental star" remains, and 
frequently a small 
cavit}^ which should 
not be mistaken for a 
date -cavity. 

In young horses, 
the incisor teeth are 
broad from side to 

side, and approach the perpendicular with reference 
to the jaw. As the horse gets older, the incisors wear 
down, becoming narrower from side to side and 
wider from before back, so that the upper surface of 




Fig. 



Horse's teeth at ten years of age 



Teeth of Horses and Cattle 



57 



the tooth presents a triangular outline. The incisor 
teeth also tend to become more horizontal, causing the 
profile of the incisors to become "chisel -shaped." As 
horses get older, the teeth grow up and out of the jaw- 
bone, until iu aged horses the molar teeth may become 
old "snags," so loosely attached to the jaw that they 
may be moved with the fingers or may drop out. A 
deception that was formerly practiced, but is seldom 
met with at the present, was commonly called "bishop- 
iug." This consisted in cutting artificial date-cavities 
in the incisors, and blackening them with a hot iron. 
The shape of the 
tooth, and the ab- 
sence of the ring of 
enamel should ren- 
der deception by 
such a practice im- 
possible. 

In order to be able to determine the age of horses, a 
careful comparative study should be made of the teeth 
of animals whose ages are definitely known. 




Fig. 23. Horse's teeth at sixteen years of age 



CONTRASTS WITH CATTLE 



In cattle, there are eight incisor teeth on the lower 
jaw, and none on the upper. The two central incisors 
are named as in the horse; the next two, one on either 
side of the central incisors, are called internal laterals; 
the next two, one on either side of these, are called the 
external laterals ; the remaining two are called the 
corners. 



58 Tlie Care of Animdts 

The temporary incisors in cattle are erupted, or cut, 
as follows: The central incisors or nippers are up at 
birth, the internal lateral at one week old, the external 
lateral at two weeks, and the corner incisors at three 
weeks old. They are replaced by permanent incisors 
approximately as follows, though they vary much more 
than in the colt : The central incisors arfe replaced 
at twelve to eighteen months; the internal laterals at 
about two and a half years ; the external laterals at 
three to three and a half years; and the corner incisors 
at about three and a half years. 

In horned cattle, a ring of the horn makes its ap- 
pearance at three years of age, and a new ring is added 
annually thereafter. 

COLOR OF HORSES 

In selecting horses, the color is largely a matter of per- 
sonal preference; but, other things being equal, horses 
of decided dark color are preferable. A blood bay, 
mahogany brown, dark chestnut and black are usually 
given preference in the order named. The objection to 
white or light -colored horses is the difficulty in keeping 
them clean, the looks of light hair upon dark clothing 
when the animals are shedding their coats, and the 
fact that such animals are subject to melanotic tumors 
of the skin. Horses having white noses and muzzles are 
liable to inflammation of the skin in this region when 
turned out to pasture. A color that will not bleach 
when exposed to the sun or weather is desirable. 

A matched team is made up of horses of the same 



Judging a Horse 53 

g-ize, color, action, temperament and general appear- 
ance. A "cross matched" team is one that is well 
matched except as to color, the two horses being- of con- 
trasting or complementary colors, which render each 
other more vivid when placed together; such as white 
and black, or chestnut and white. 

STYLE 

Another desirable quality to look for in judging a 
horse, and one which adds greatly to its value, is the 
"action" and stjde of the animal. A horse that looks, 
acts and walks as if he "owned the earth" will bring a 
great deal more money upon the market than a similar 
horse with all the good qualities but this one. Action 
does not mean speed, but implies quick, dainty, stylish 
movements. The purpose for which a horse is intended 
should always be kept prominently in mind in passing 
judgment upon it. The above statements may not 
apply to draft horses. 

POINTS IN HORSES 

The following are some of the points that are con- 
sidered to be desirable in horses; 

The head should be of moderate size, and well hung 
on the neck, the angle between the lower jaw and the 
neck approaching a right angle. If it is more than a 
right angle, the nose protrudes as if the horse has a sore 
throat or poll-evil; if less than a right angle, it gives a 
cramped appearance to the neck. The forehead should 



60 The Care of Animals 

be broad, the nose straig^ht, the sides of the face slightly 
dished, the cranial bones well rounded, and the eye full, 
bright and prominent. Horses with small "bullet" eyes 
look better when driven with blinders on. If the nose 
is too concave, the horse is said to be "dish -faced," and 
if too convex, a Roman nose results. The nostrils 
should be large and easily dilated, the lips firm and fine, 
and the cheek well muscled. The ears should be of 
moderate size, fine, tapering and mobile, approaching 
each other at the tips when erect. If the ears are too 
small they have a stubby look; if too large, they are 
mulish in appearance. A lop-eared horse is liable to 
have a contrary, morose disposition, or worse. The ex- 
pression of the eye, ear and countenance gives promi- 
nent indications of the character and disposition of the 
animal. The neck should be of medium size and length, 
the skin fine, and the muscles of the neck should have a 
firm, "cordy" feel to the hand. A neck slightly arched 
at the crest is usually desired; a thick, coarse one is 
commonly called a "bull neck " ; if too long and slender, 
or too greatly arched, a "peacock" neck; and if concave 
on upper outline, a "ewe" neck. The back should be 
moderately straight, short, and well muscled ; such a 
horse is said to be "well coupled." If the back is too 
straight or convex, the animal is said to have a "roach " 
back, and if too concave a "sway" back. The croup 
should be slightly rounded and sloping, the tail should be 
well hung and carried in a dainty manner. Horsemen 
usually prefer that the tail or "dock" should be held 
stiffly by the animal when an attempt is made to lift it 
with the hand, as this is thought to indicate stamina. 



Judging a Horse 61 

Horses intended for speed should stand high behind. 
The withers should be firm and moderately thin, the 
shoulders should be well muscled and preferably- slop- 
ing. In horses intended for draft purposes, moderately 
sloping shoulders are preferable. The fore -arm should 
be well muscled, the muscles and tendons of the leg firm 
and prominent. The bones should be round and fine, 
the joints of good size and the leg moderately wide 
from before back. The skin should be fine and should 
lie close to the bones and sinews of the leg. The chest 
should be broad, deep and strongl.y muscled. The ribs 
should be "well sprung," that is, coming well out at 
right angles from the back -bone, thus giving the horse 
a good round barrel, which furnishes room for the lungs 
and digestive organs. A horse lacking in this capacity 
is said to be "slab-sided" and "washy," and usually 
lacks stamina. The horse should not be "tucked up" 
in the flanks, and the hips should be strongly muscled, 
because it is here that most of the power is required, 
either for speed or for draft purposes. The legs should 
be well placed and the bones well directed, making the 
proper angles at the various joints. A horse intended 
for draft purposes should be "built close to the ground." 
In all horses, the coat should be fine and short, the skin 
thin and soft to the touch, showing the large veins 
clearly. In all horses, except Clydesdale and Shires, 
the legs should be comparativeh^ free from long coarse 
hair. The mane and tail should be of moderate 
length and thickness, fine and silky, the tail being 
especially important, because of the character and style 
which it gives to the general appearance of the animal. 



62 The Care of Animals 

UNSOUNDNESS IN HORSES 

A horse is considered practically sound when it 
possesses no disease, deformity or vice that will in- 
terfere with its general or special usefulness. Soundness 
is important, not only to those who deal in horses, but 
to those who raise and own them, because its sound- 
ness, together with the general appearance of the animal, 
indicates its relative commercial value. A person who 
contemplates purchasing a horse, if he is not thoroughly 
familiar with the subject, will usually find it a matter of 
economy to employ an expert to assist in the selection, 
or he will purchase of some well-known dealer whose 
judgment and whose "word" are worthy of dependence. 
The ordinary individual is likely to pride himself 
upon his ability to judge horses and to determine their 
soundness or unsoundness; and yet there is probably 
no one experience in which individuals are more likely 
to be deceived than in this. Horse-dealers of wide ex- 
perience usually make allowances in their judgment of 
a horse for defects which cannot be determined by an 
ordinary examination, but are likely to show themselves 
only after a thorough acquaintance with the animal. As 
a general thing, the purchaser sees a horse at its very 
best, as regards appearance, condition, speed and free- 
dom from defects and vices, and should take this into 
account in estimating the value of the animal. In 
examining animals as to their soundness, experienced 
judges do not allow themselves to be misled, or their 
attention to be distracted from any part of the animal, 
either by the owner or by bystanders. An excellent 



Judging a Horse •GS 

judge of horses once said, ^'If the owner or a bj-stander 
calls my attention to a possible defect about the horse's 
head, I always make it a point to give the opposite ex- 
tremity a most thorough examination." It is a trick 
frequently resorted to by unscrupulous dealers to call a 
man's attention to a part he knows to be sound, in 
order to attract his attention from an unsounduess in 
another part. In considering statements made by horse- 
dealers, especial care should be given not only to the 
statement, but to the reasons why the statement is 
made. 

When possible, it is always a good plan to examine 
horses in the stable under their ordinary conditions, 
then to take them out where the light and other condi- 
tions are favorable and go over thoroughly every part 
of the horse until one is satisfied of its freedom from 
unsoundness. After thoroughly manipulating every 
part, the horse should be tested in his paces for any 
defect in locomotion or breathing, and afterwards he 
should be tested as to his ability to eat and drink 
normally. In examining horses for soundness, it is 
generally assumed that the horse has every defect, de- 
formity and vice that horse-flesh is heir to, and the 
presence or absence of these defects is demonstrated by 
thorough examinations and tests. 

WARRANTY 

A person that warrants a horse sound, either by a 
written or verbal warranty, renders himself liable, and 
the purchaser can recover damages sustained. Persons 



64 The Care of Animals 

in selling horses should exercise care in warranting a 
horse sound, either directly or by the use of language 
that implies a warranty; for if the purchaser takes the 
horse on the strength of such representations and the 
horse proves to be unsound, the seller is himself respon- 
sible. A distinction is usuallj^ made between those cases 
in which the purchaser buys the horse on the strength 
of the representations made by the owner, and those 
cases in which the purchaser assumes to know about the 
horse, and buys on his own judgment and responsibility. 
It is usually economj^ to purchase of a reliable person 
and, if possible, on a trial of a week or more. Whether 
justly or not, it has come to be proverbial that the 
horse trader is "tricky." 

EXAMINATION OF HORSE IN STABLE 

In examining the horse in the stable, do not disturb 
him at first, but watch him closely for a few moments; 
he will be likely soon to show am^ stable vices that he 
may possess. Among vices to be looked for is "weav- 
ing," a habit which some horses have of swinging the 
head or body from side to side, often for an hour at a 
time, especially when not eating. Cribbing and wind- 
sucking are other vices which should be carefully looked 
for. Kicking in the stall, and crowding an attendant 
against the side of the stall are vices. Some horses 
have the bad habit of kicking at the side of the stall. 
Persistent pawing is also to be looked for. The horse 
should be made to "stand over" by gentle pressure 
against the hip, when he will frequently show signs of 



Examining a Horse 65 

chorea, or stringhalt. A common symptom of this dis- 
ease is the apparent inabilit}^ of the horse to lift the 
foot of the affected hind leg, — the foot is seemingly 
glued fast to the floor. After a considerable effort, the 
horse gets the foot loose, lifts it high and moves over 
with a kind of straddling hop. These symptoms are 
not shown when the horse is made to jump suddenly by 
the cut of a whip or slap of the hand; therefore such 
actions about a horse should be looked upon with sus- 
picion. It should also be noticed whether the horse 
stands squarely on his feet, or "points" a foot to get 
relief from lameness or soreness in the part. Halter- 
pulling is another vice which it is difficult to detect. A 
sudden movement about the horse's head, which startles 
him, will usually cause him to fly back on the halter, if 
he possesses this vice. Horses that are very strongly 
tied by ropes or similar arrangements about the head 
should be regarded with suspicion. 

EXAMINING OUT OF DOORS 

After the horse has been examined in the stall, he 
should be led out on level ground w^here the light is 
good, and every part of the body should be examined 
for defects and disease. It is usuall}' a good plan to 
begin at one nostril and to go over the whole side of the 
animal; then, returning to the opposite nostril, to ex- 
amine the other side. The nostril should be examined 
for any sign of glanders, or other suspicious discharges. 
The mucous membranes lining the nostril should be of a 
healthy rose -pink color, free from ulcers, scars or dis- 



66 The Care of Animals 

agreeable odor. Any signs of a recent cleaning of the 
nostril, a dull lead color, or irritated condition of the 
mucous membrane should be regarded with suspicion. 
The mouth should be examined as to age and freedom 
from decayed, split, ulcerated or irregular teeth. The 
saliva should be free from any disagreeable odor. The 
tongue should be normal, held in position, and free 
from scars. A scarred tongue is indicative of the use 
of a harsh bit to control him, and is always to be care- 
fully considered. The incisor teeth should be examined 
for parrot mouth and signs of cribbing, the latter being 
shown by the edges of the teeth being worn away, so 
that they do not come close together. The side of the 
face should be examined for running sores or enlarge- 
ments that might come from diseased teeth. The lower 
jaw is to be examined for the same condition, and, in 
addition, for an opening or fistula of Steno's duct, 
which carries the saliva from the large gland below the 
ear and pours it into the mouth. This duct winds 
under the lower jaw at the front edge of the large 
muscle, and when opened discharges a clear, watery 
fluid, especially when the horse is eating. The glands 
in the hollow between the lower jaws should also be 
carefully examined as to their size, whether tender to 
the touch or grown fast to the adjoining tissues. En- 
larged, adherent glands here are a sj^mptom of glanders. 
The eye should be clear and bright and free from 
specks, cloudiness or a well-defined white ring around 
the outside of the colored iris. By closing the eye with 
the hand and excluding the light for a moment, the 
pupil will be dilated to its utmost capacity; when the 



Examining a Horse 67 

hand is removed and the light strikes the eye, the pupil 
should rapidlj' contract to its normal size. This shows 
that the eye is sensitive to light. Small, irregular 
masses of dark coloring material, commonly called "soot 
balls," are usually seen at the edge of the pupil in a 
horse's eye, and are often regarded with suspicion by 
those not familiar with the appearance of the e.ye. They 
ai-e normal, and of no importance. The eye should also 
be examined for any signs of inflammation or abnormal 
discharges from the inner corner. Persistent discharges 
from the qyq usually scald the skin and cause the hair 
to be shed in this region. 

The throat should be examined for any thickness or 
enlargement, especially of the glands which form a 
goiter. The top of the head and neck should be ex- 
amined for poll-evil, for swellings of any kind, and to 
determine whether or not the horse will allow a bridle 
or halter to be put on readily. The mane should be 
thrown over and the side of the neck carefully examined 
for fistulae or running sores, tumors or swellings of 
any kind. Brands should also be looked for here. 
The letters I. C. on the neck indicate that the animal 
has been inspected and condemned in service in the 
U. S. Army for unsoundness, vices, or inability to stand 
gun-fire. 

After going over the neck, the withers should be 
examined for fistulse, and the back for tumors, galls or 
"sitfasts." The shoulder, also, should be examined for 
tumors, galls, collar boils and sweeney, the last a wast- 
ing of the muscles on the outside of the shoulder-blade. 
The elbow should be examined for capped elbow, or shoe 



68 The Care of Animals 

boil. The knee should be examined for bony enlarge- 
ments, wind - puffs and scars on the front. Scars in 
this region indicate that the horse is a stumbler. Look 
just below the knee on the inside for speedy cuts, scars 
or bunches, due to the hitting of the opposite foot. 
Splints should also be felt for, and looked for on the 
inside of the fore leg, and bony bunches on the outside. 
The front of the cannon bone should be smooth and free 
from bunches and scars. The back tendons should be 
smooth; if contracted, they give the knee a "sprung" 
appearance, as the horse stands squarely. Parallel 
marks or scars resulting from "firing" should be looked 
for. Above the fetlock the leg should be examined for 
wind-puffs on either side, just in front of the tendons. 
The fetlock and pastern joints should be examined for 
ring-bones, bunches or scars. Small puffy enlarge- 
ments over the large nerves which pass down toward 
the back of the fetlock and along the edge of the ten- 
dons, below the fetlock, indicate the injection of co- 
caine, which is done to disguise lameness temporarily. 
Scars in these places on both sides of the leg indicate 
that the horse has been "nerved." Just at the top of 
the hoof, on either side, the lateral cartilages should be 
examined to see that the}^ have not ossified, forming 
side bones. 

The foot should be of good size and shape, free from 
rings of horny growth, the wall not concave. The heels 
should not be contracted. The wall should be carefully 
examined for sand-cracks, quarter- cracks and seedy -toe, 
the last a softening and degeneration of the wall at 
the toe of the foot. The bottom of the foot should be 



Examining a Horse 69 

examined for corns, the cleft in the frog for thrusli, 
and the sole for bulging. 

After finishing the fore leg, the examiner should go 
carefully over the horse's side and belly, looking for 
any tumors, sores, hernia or ruptures. In the male, 
the penis and sheath should be examined for tumors or 
disease. It should be noted whether the hair on the 
belly in front of the sheath is normal in appearance, as 
some horses do not protrude the penis in passing urine 
and the skin in front of the sheath is irritated so that the 
hair is shed. The scrotum in males should always be 
examined for tumors, and geldings must be scrutinized 
to be sure they are not ridglings. In examining the 
hind legs of a strange horse, it is always well to take 
precautions to prevent being kicked, by having an 
assistant hold up one fore foot. 

The muscles of the hip should be examined for scars, 
the stifle joint for any enlargement or soreness that 
would indicate stifle. A thorough examination should 
be made of the hock joint, because of the number and 
importance of the defects that may occur in this region. 
The back of the hock joint should be examined for 
capped hock, curb and scars which may indicate that 
the animal is a kicker. Just in front of the point of 
the hock, look for thorough - pin. The hock joint 
proper is to be examined for spavin, both bone spavin 
and bog spavin, also for any enlargements or any ir- 
regularities of movement. Below the hock, look for 
wind-puffs, ring-bones, scratches and diseases of the 
foot. After completing the examination of one side, go 
over the opposite side with equal care. 



70 The Care of Animals 

After going over the whole horse, the examiner 
should carefully compare corresponding members, as to 
their symmetr^^ and form. The two hips should be 
compared to see that one is not ^^ knocked dowm " or 
"hipped," and that the muscles are equally developed. 
The tail should be carried squareh^; it should be handled 
and a line or rope drawn under it to prove that the 
horse is not vicious in this regard. The nostrils, lips, 
eyes and ears should be compared, and any signs of 
paralysis or drooping of the parts noted. 

After examining, manipulating and comparing the 
parts of the animal, he should be thoroughlj" tested in 
his paces. He should be driven, or led, with plenty of 
rope, to and from the examiner, and then moved by him 
at a good, free trot, when au}^ signs of lameness or 
peculiarities of movement should be carefully looked 
for. Turning the horse sharpl}^ to the right or to the 
left, so as to bring the weight alternately on the right and 
the left legs, will usually increase the signs of lameness. 
The horse should also be tested as to his ability and 
willingness to back a load. In testing for the wind, the 
horse should be allowed a full drink of water, and then 
should be ridden or driven rapidly for some distance 
and brought to a sudden stop, close to the examiner, 
who will look for any abnormal sounds or movements in 
breathing. A "wind -broken" horse can be detected by 
the peculiar roaring or w^histling made as the air is 
taken in. In heaves, there is usually difficult breathing, 
with a peculiar bellows -like motion of the flank. By 
pinching the animal's throat, the peculiar and character- 
istic grunting cough of heaves will be given. The 



Fitting for Market 71 

horse should also to be tested to determiue whether 
he eats and drinks properly. 

The ability to detect unsoundness can be largely in- 
creased by practice and close observation ; and yet some 
diseases and vices cannot be detected by an ordinary ex- 
amination, and it is only after a person becomes 
familiar with the animal that these will be observed. 
In giving certificates of soundness, the examiner should 
carefully describe the horse so that it can be recognized ; 
and he should call attention to any peculiarities, scars 
or actions that are unusual. A certificate of soundness 
usually carries with it considerable responsibility, and 
some expert judges will not give such certificates un- 
less they know either the horse or the circumstances 
under which the certificate is required. Certificates are 
usually worded, "So far as I am able to determine by 
careful examination, the above described animal is free 
from any disease, defect or vice that will interfere with 
its intended usefulness." 

FITTING HORSES FOR MARKET 

There are probably few circumstances in the care 
and handling of horses in which food and labor will 
give greater returns than when devoted to the fitting of 
horses for the market. Horses intended for the general 
market should always be in good flesh or moderately fat, 
because fat, like charity, covers a multitude of defects. 
A plump horse appeals to the average buyer. In fitting 
a horse for the market, he should be fed an abundance 
of easily digested, nutritious and laxative food. He 



72 The Care of Animals 

should be thoroughly groomed every day with plenty of 
brushing, as this gives a sleek and glossy coat that adds 
much to his general appearance and attractiveness. The 
mane and tail should be well brushed out, and if the 
skin at the roots of the hair is dirty, it should be well 
washed and a little bland oil or vaseline applied. The 
horse should be exercised briskly for a short time 
twice daily, enough to keep him in good active condi- 
tion; he should be taught to drive freely and handily, as 
soon as hitched up, as he will then show to the best 
advantage to an intended purchaser. 

All horses intended for the general market should be 
well "broken." There is a rather wide -spread opinion 
among farmers that as soon as a colt is broken well 
enough to drive single and double, it is sufficient for 
market purposes, but this is not true. The extra time 
spent in properly breaking and training the horse, will 
be well repaid in an increased price. 

SHIPPING HORSES - 

Horses intended for shipment should be in moderate 
flesh and in good condition so far as exercise and 
general health is concerned. The tails should be care- 
fully braided, done up and covered w4th burlaps to pre- 
vent their being injured in transit. For twentj'^-four 
hours previous to shipping, the animals should be fed 
lightly with laxative food to overcome the decided 
tendency toward constipation caused by the excitement 
and strain of shipping. As a general thing it is prefer- 
able to ship them barefooted, as, in this condition, there 



Shipping of Horses 73 

is less danger of slipping and injury to themselves or to 
others. It is a good plan to rasp the edges of the hoofs 
to prevent their splitting and breaking off. The car 
should be thoroughly disinfected and the floor should 
be well covered with fine litter or similar material, to 
absorb moisture and so to prevent it from getting wet 
ccud slippery. Each animal should be rather closely 
confined by himself, as there is less danger of the 
momentum in starting and stopping being transmitted 
to other animals. In no case should a horse be loose 
with a great amount of room, as he is likely to be 
thrown about and injured. Horses should be fed spar- 
ingly and watered as frequently as possible in transit. 
They should be unloaded and allowed to rest and be 
fed as often as practicable. 

So far as possible, large sale stables in shipping 
centers should be avoided, especially with " green 
horses," as these places are usually infected with influ- 
enza, and the strain of shipping renders the horses 
peculiarly susceptible to this and other diseases. 

The quarters in which horses are confined for ship- 
ment should be well ventilated; there is little danger of 
the animals' taking cold if their bodies are well protected 
by stable blankets. The injury resulting from impure 
air in close quarters is likely to be much greater than 
that following undue exposure. 11 a horse gets down, 
in transit, he should be gotten on his feet as soon as 
possible, as there is danger of the other horses' tramp- 
ling and seriously injuring him. After unloading, the 
animals should be allowed to rest and should be fed 
lightly and given gentle exercise until their normal con- 



76 The Care of Animals 

ments" may be laid down, and should always be kept in 
mind. A horse should never be trusted more than is 
necessary. A good horseman never runs risks if he can 
avoid it, and when risks are necessary, he always reduces 
them to a minimum by care and forethought. Many 
distressing accidents occur from trusting old "family" 
horses. Unexpected circumstances are liable to arise at 
any time that require good judgment, and some strength 
and skill, in the handling or controlling of horses. The 
harness and other equipment should be of good quality 
and in good repair. Children, women or incompetent 
men should never be left in charge of horses unless the 
animals are securely tied. Horses should be tied about 
the neck by a strong rope or strap, the latter passed 
through the ring of the bit, or by some similar arrange- 
ment. A horse should always be tied short; if tied 
long, he is liable to get his feet over the rope, to cramp 
the vehicle, to get his nose on the ground, to step on 
the lines or bridle; and if he becomes frightened he has 
much more chance of freeing himself. In driving, a 
whip should always be carried; while it may be seldom 
necessary to use it, yet when it is needed it is usually 
needed very badly. The lines should always be kept 
within reach. 

A horse should never be allowed to get the ad- 
vantage of a driver, or to get from under his control; 
for once he learns that he is superior to the driver he is 
usually ruined. The driver, by firmness, gentleness 
and force of character, should control the horse. Aside 
from the damage which may be incurred by a horse's 
bolting or running away, an attendant may be hurt by 



Hitching Up 11 

the horse's biting, striking or kicking him. The safest 
way of handling a fractious horse is for the attendant 
to stand close to his left shoulder, grasping the bridle 
or halter close to the mouth with the right hand. In 
this position the horse is unable to injure him. If the 
horse gets loose, or makes an attempt to do so, the at- 
tendant should stay close to him, or else get clear out 
of the way. There is no "happy medium." Many seri- 
ous accidents occur from horses' rearing and striking, or 
kicking in play. In catching horses in the pasture, 
care should be taken, in approaching the animal, that 
he does not whirl and kick. 

In leading horses with a halter, an attendant is some- 
times uuable to hold the auimal. By looping the rope 
or tie -strap and slipping it into his mouth in the place 
of a bit, then running the rope through the nose -band, 
thus forming a loop around the lower jaw, he can be 
easily controlled. In leading or driving horses, cattle 
or other large animals, the line or rope should never be 
tied or wrapped around the body or hands of the 
attendant. 

In harnessing, dressing, or handling a horse, the 
work should be done from the left or "nigh" side of 
the animal; the harness, saddle and equipment fasten 
and unfasten on this side. In putting on the harness 
it should be gently but firmlj^ placed upon the animal, 
pains being taken that it fits well, and all loose, flapping 
straps avoided. In hitching a horse into a pair of 
shafts, the shafts should always be raised up and the 
animal backed into them, or the vehicle drawn for- 
ward, as the horse is likely to step on a shaft and 



78 The Care of Animals 

break it if backed into them while they are on the floor 
or ground. 

In hitching up horses, the lines should be fastened 
into the bits and then disengaged and placed where they 
can easily be reached before hitching the horse to the 
vehicle; in unhitching, the lines should be the last part 
of the harness to be "done up," and precautions should 
be taken that the animal is free from the vehicle before 
attempting to lead him away. 

BREAKING COLTS 

In breaking colts, the common mistake is made of 
trying to teach them too much at once. Be sure that 
the colt understands the first lesson and has it thor- 
oughly learned before another one is attempted. One 
of the first lessons is to "halter -break" the young colt. 
This should be done while he is a suckling, A 
strong, well -fitting halter should be placed on him, and 
he should be tied short near to his mother and in such 
a position that he cannot pull back too far or throw 
and choke himself. Fig. 24. Colts should always be 
tied strongly so there is no danger of breaking loose, for 
if he breaks loose once he is very likely to try it again. 
Little colts should be gently but firmly treated, so that 
they will have confidence in the trainer. Avoid making 
great pets of colts, as such animals are usually difficult 
to break, being lawless and headstrong. After the colt is 
well halter -broken, so that he can be tied and led, it is 
a good plan to allow the colt to accompany the mother 
by tying his halter to her hame or collar; thus he 



Breaking Colts 



7\) 



becomes used to walking and trotting beside another 
horse. The only objection to breaking colts young is that, 
being broken, they are likely to be driven or worked too 
hard before they are well developed or strong enough. 
A bitting bridle should now be put on for an hour or 
so a day, until he is familiar with it. An "open" bridle, 




Fig. 24. Breaking colt to lead 

or one without blinders, should always be used at first, 
so that the colt can see and familiarize himself with all 
that is going on about him. A "blind" bridle can then 
be put on at any time. If a horse is broken in a blind 
bridle, great care must be exercised in changing to an 
open bridle, as he is very liable to be frightened by the 
glimpses he gets of the vehicles coming after him. 



80 The Care of Animals 

Choice between open and blind bridles must be governed 
by circumstances. A driving horse used with an open 
bridle generally ^' knows too much," and often assumes 
that, because he has seen a person get into the vehicle, 
he is ready to start; or, because the driver takes the 
whip he expects to receive a "cut"; and he often jumps 
when it is not desirable. Horses which "shy" at objects 
along the road usuall}^ go much better when carefully 
driven with an open bridle. 

In breaking colts, a large, smooth bit is to be pre- 
ferred. There are on the market, some slightly flexi- 
ble leather -covered bits that are excellent. A straight 
or a single -joint bit is generally used. After the colt 
is thoroughly familiar with the bitting rig, a saddle, 
back strap and crupper of a single harness should be 
carefully put on and be kept on for an hour or two 
daily until he is used to it. When this is accomplished, 
a bridle can be put on, the lines passed through the 
tugs, or loops made for the shafts, and the colt driven. 
By passing the lines through the tug loops the colt can 
be prevented from whirling around and getting tangled 
up in the lines. It is usually a good plan to have an 
attendant lead the colt until he understands what is 
expected of him. 

One of the first things to teach a colt is to stop at 
the command "Whoa," and to stand. The command 
should be used for the one purpose of making him stop. 
Many drivers use the word frequently in driving ner- 
vous or irritable horses, but, instead, they should use 
other encouraging or soothing words. 

After the colt is broken to drive single, the breeching 



BreaMng Colts 81 

and traces should be attached and arranged so that they 
will not flop, and the colt hitched up with a reliable, but 
quick -acting horse. It is a mistake to hitch a quick, 
active colt with a slow, lazy horse; his actions will be 
very irritating and confusing to the colt. After being 
driven double a while, the pair may be attached to a sub- 
stantial vehicle. When hitching a colt up double for 
the first time, it is a good plan to keep a pair of single 
lines on the colt's bridle, which can be handled by an 
assistant. 

In hitching up double, a good, heavy wagon is pref- 
erable, and especially one with a brake. The colt 
should be placed on the "off" side, as he is more easy 
to manage there, and can be touched with the whip 
better. After the colt is familiar with the harness, 
wagon and equipment, he can be hitched up single. 
Some horse -trainers prefer to break the colt in shafts 
before hitching him up double. A breaking cart for 
hitching up colts single should be substantial, with long, 
heavy thills, and the seat arranged behind so that the 
driver can get on and off quickly. The colt should be 
hitched far enough forward in the shafts so that he can- 
not kick to do any damage. A strap (commonly called 
a kick -strap), attached to each shaft and passed over 
the colt's croup, should always be used until the colt is 
well accustomed to the thills. 

When the colt is first hitched up single in a two- 
wheeled cart, an attendant should hold him until the 
driver is ready, then he should be allowed to go. As 
soon as he becomes familiar with the cart, he should 
be compelled to stand until he is told to start, 



82 The Care of Animals 

Teaching a colt to back is usually best done by pla- 
cing him in a double team with a horse that will back 
well, the wagon being in a favorable position so that 
little force is required to move it. An assistant takes 
the lines and tells the colt to back, while the trainer 
takes hold of the colt's bit on either side and assists in 
forcing him backward. If he refuses to go, a slight cut 
with the whip across his front legs, or tapping the legs 
with the toe, will cause him to step back. Time and 
patience are often required to teach a colt to back well. 
He should always be forced to respond to traction on 
the bit, even if a cut with the whip is necessary. He 
should not be allowed to twist his head and neck around 
to one side without moving the body. In teaching a 
colt to draw, he should be hitched with another horse of 
his own temperament and agility. The loads should at 
first be light, increasing gradually as he becomes familiar 
with the work. A young horse, not accustomed to pull- 
ing, should never be hitched to a load if there is any 
doubt of his ability to move it readily. 

WILD OR VICIOUS HORSES 

In breaking or handling vicious horses, the most 
important thing is to impress them firmly with the idea 
that the trainer has complete control over them and 
that they must obey him. A horse that thinks he can 
do as he wishes is difficult to deal with. One of the 
methods of managing a vicious horse is, if, understand- 
ing what is required of him, he refnses to obey, to 
throw him down and hold him there until he gives up. 



Handling Vicious Horses 83 

While down it is often a good plan to crack a whip 
close to him, and, when he struggles, to hold him firmly, 
by keeping his head down. After he ceases struggling 
and gives up, the horse should be allowed to get up. 
Then try hira with the lesson again. If he refuses, 
throw him down at once, and repeat the process until 
he is ready to do what is required of him. 

Another method that works well in some cases and is 
less trouble, is to strap up one fore leg and make him 
go on three legs. This is a good plan when the horse 
has a tendency to run or to kick. After he is satisfied 
that he cannot get loose and is under complete control, 
the strap can be removed. If, when hitching a horse 
up, there is fear that he may run or act in a vicious 
manner, straps with rings should be buckled below the 
fetlock on each fore leg, a small rope tied securely in 
the ring of the strap on the right leg, passed up over 
the belly-band and down through the ring on the left 
fore leg, then passed up over the belly-band again 
and held by an assistant who walks or rides with the 
trainer. In case of trouble, the assistant, by pulling on 
the rope, can hold up one or both fore feet. If a horse 
shows a tendency to kick, a sharp twitch on the lines 
will often distract his attention and prevent kicking. 
Frequently, when a horse is nervous and irritable, 
placing a blindfold over the eyes will direct his attention 
elsewhere. 

BALKY HORSES 

Balking is refusal on the part of a horse to do his 
required work when he understands fully what is 



84 The Care of Animals ^ 

wanted. It is an extremely aggravating vice, and one 
that is likely to render a horse practically worthless. 

Balking may be due to a naturally vicious dispo- 
sition, or to improper handling; it is often a combi- 
nation of both. The more experience one has in dealing 
with this trouble, the less he feels like giving advice. 
The first thing to be done is to get acquainted with the 
horse and all his peculiarities; then the trainer must 
exercise his ingenuity and knowledge to overcome or 
circumvent the animal. 

Balking varies from a disinclination to do some 
slight act in some particular place or at some particular 
time, to a disinclination to do anything that may be 
required at any time. Associated with the disincli- 
nation to work, there is often a tendency to do 
some annoying act that he ought not to do. Balking 
is often associated with a nervous temperament, and all 
influences that tend to irritate the horse should be 
removed if possible. In dealing with balky or vicious 
horses, it is important that the trainer be quiet, per- 
sistent, and, above all, that he does not lose his tem- 
per. Shouting, jerking and whipping a balky horse 
is likely to make a bad matter worse. If punishment 
in the form of whipping is to be given, it must be 
given judiciously and thoroughly. In many cases of 
balking, if he is allowed to stand quietly until the 
nervousness has passed away, the horse will start 
of his own accord. Attracting his attention by adjust- 
ing the harness, or by giving him an apple or a bit of 
sugar, will often overcome a difficulty that cannot be 
whipped out of him. A horse that balks, and throws 



Balliing — Halter Pulling 85 

himself, and refuses to get up, is hard to deal with. 
In most cases, turning a hose into his mouth, nose and 
face will make him get up. In the absence of a hose, 
water can be dashed on him from a pail. 

In bad cases of balking, throwing the horse and 
holding him down until he is ready to go is often an 
effective way of treating him. Every case has to be 
dealt with according to the particular circumstances. 
As a general rule, balky horses can be coaxed better 
than they can be forced. 

REARING, OR " RARING" 

When a horse has a tendency to rear on his hind 
legs, fasten a small rope to one or both forward fetlocks, 
so that you can pull his feet from under him as he 
comes down. This will usually cause him to stop this 
vice after a few trials. 

HALTER PULLING 

This is another annoying vice, caused by the horse 
throwing himself backward on the halter with all the 
force that he can; unless he is securely tied he is likely 
to break loose, and he often does other damage. All 
horses that have this habit should be securely tied by 
a stout neck strap or rope. They can sometimes be 
broken by tying a small (about one -fourth inch) rope 
around the body just back of the fore legs; the rope 
is then passed between the front legs, through the ring 
of the halter, and tied to a post. When a horse 



86 Tlie Care of Animals 

throws himself back on this a few times he will usually 
cease. Another method is to tie one end of the small 
rope about the tail in the form of a crupper, the other 
end being" passed through the halter ring and tied to a 
post. In this case, when he pulls the force is exerted 
upon his tail and he soon stops. 

PULLING ON THE BIT 

This is a bad habit and one difficult to remedy in 
some cases. A horse that tugs on his bit continuously, 
or even for a part of the time, cannot be driven with 
any pleasure. This vice is often due to errors in break- 
ing. In driving a horse that pulls on the bit, the more 
the driver tries to hold him, the more he pulls, espe- 
cially if he gets nervous and irritated. A har.^h bit that 
hurts his mouth is likely to increase the irritation. 

In dealing with a horse that pulls on the bit, it is 
usually a good plan to use as easy a bit as possible, as 
some of the flexible leather -covered bits. Then try to 
teach the horse that it is not necessary to pull on the bit 
as he travels. When he begins to pull on the bit, allow 
him to go without trying to hold him, never allowing 
him, however, to get beyond the control of the driver. 
When the horse finds that no one is trying to hold him 
he will often give up pulling. Some cases can be stopped 
by tying the pulling horse to his mate. 

RUNAWAY HORSES 

It is impossible to stop a thoroughly frightened horse 
that is running away, by pulling on an ordinary bit. 



Runaway Morses 87 

There are bits made that enable the driver to close the 
nostrils, and thus to stop the horse's breathing so that 
he will soon "choke down." There are other kinds of 
bits that are very effective. By acting quickly and 
vigorously, a driver can often prevent a horse from 
getting beyond control. If it is possible to rein the 
horse into a wall before he has acquired much headway, 
it is usually a good plan. When a horse is beyond 
control, and is running rapidly, it is generally the safest 
plan to guide him, so far as possible, and to allow him 
to become exhausted, when he can be stopped. There 
is usually less danger in staying with a horse that is 
running rapidly than in attempting to jump. Every 
case must be decided as the varying circumstances will 
indicate. Runaway horses are always dangerous, and 
should be treated accordingly, and no person not fully 
qualified should ever be allowed to handle them. 



CHAPTER V 

THE HOBSE — LAMENESS AND SHOEING 

In treating lameness in animals, it must be remem- 
bered that one of the most important essentials to re- 
covery is rest. There are few forms of lameness that 
can be treated successfully when the animal is at work, 
especially when that work is responsible for the lame- 
ness. In treating lameness, the affected limb is to be 
kept as quiet as possible until some time after the 
symptoms have disappeared, in order that the diseased 
or injured tissues can regain their healthy condition. 

Turning horses out to pasture for some weeks is 
often all that is necessary. This takes the animal off 
the hard floors and roads upon which much time or- 
dinarily is spent. In many cases, if the cause of the 
lameness can be located and removed, a good blister 
put on the affected part, the shoes taken off and the 
horse turned out to pasture, may result in a complete 
recovery in a short time. When there is danger of the 
animal's breaking the hoofs badly while in rough pas- 
ture, or from stamping flies, the hoofs can be pro- 
tected with light tips. 

In many cases in which the feet of roadsters have 
been injured by fast driving on hard roads, light work 
on soft plowed ground, barefooted or with tip shoes, 
will often take the' place of a run at pasture. The 

(88) 



What Lameness Is 89 

same treatment is good for draft horses, when the 
feet have been injured on pavements. It will in most 
cases give relief and often effect permanent recovery. 

DIAGNOSING LA3IENESS 

Lameness is a defect in the natural gait of an 
animal. In some cases there is a normal "hitch" in 
the gait. Such a peculiarity is not easily distinguished 
from true lameness, especially when the horse is pushed 
to the limit of his speed in trotting. It is an idio- 
sincrasj^ and does not need treating. 

Lameness may be due to some deformity which, 
though it causes a noticeable limp, may occasion the 
animal no pain and but little inconvenience in travel- 
ing. Most cases of lameness, however, are due to some 
disease or injury that not only interferes with the 
locomotion, but causes the animal suffering. 

Lameness is at times difficult to locate; therefore it 
is not easy to give directions for distinguishing the 
various lamenesses of animals. Experts often seem to 
diagnose cases of lameness intuitively, and are some- 
times unable to tell why the disease is located in a 
certain spot. Close and careful observation of the form 
and movements of the leg&, both in health and in dis- 
ease, are essential to accuracy in diagnosis. 

Most cases of lameness in horses occur in the front 
legs. These bear one -third more weight than the 
hind legs, and in ordinary traveling they are lifted 
higher and brought down with greater force; hence, 
their liability to injury is increased. 



90 The Care of Animals 

There is a popular belief among horse owners that 
shoulder lameness is very common, but this is an 
error. Shoulder lameness is extremely rare. Nearly 
all lamenesses of the fore leg occur below the knee, 
and most of these are in the foot. In the hind leg 
most cases of lameness occur in the hock joint, or below 
it. Hip -joint lameness is very rare. 

In locating lameness it is best to examine the animal 
while he is moving, preferably on a hard road at a trot, 
and without check, harness or blanket. The person 
leading the horse should give him as much freedom of 
the head as is possible. The horse should be seen 
passing by, coming toward, and going from, the ob- 
server. He should also be turned in short circles to 
the right, then to the left, in order to bring the weight 
on the right and the left legs alternately. 

When the lameness is in one leg, the horse will 
usually drop on the corresponding well leg as soon as 
possible, with a movement that is easily recognized. In 
standing, the weight is taken off the lame leg, and this 
leg is placed in a position that will give the most relief. 
When the lameness is in both front legs, the animal 
moves with a peculiar stiff or stilted motion, and when 
standing shifts the weight uneasily from one leg to the 
other. Aside from the symptoms of lameness that 
are shown when the animal is in motion, a thorough 
examination of the affected limb should be made by 
manipulating and feeling of it for signs of soreness, in- 
flammation, bunches, depressions or swellings. An 
amateur should always make a careful examination of 
the foot, as most lamenesses are located here. The shoe 



To Didgnose Lameness 91 

should be removed, the nails examined for signs of 
blood or pus, and the bottom of the foot cleaned and 
examined for punctures or bruises. 

In manipulating to detect soreness, one must not be 
misled by the animaPs flinching when the muscles of 
the shoulder are firml}^ pressed. Horses are likely to 
flinch from pressure here. In feeling for soreness or 
heat in a part, it is always well to study and compare 
the corresponding leg. In examining the foot, a small 
hammer is excellent with which to tap the different 
parts of the hoof to induce flinching. To determine 
heat in a part, aside from the touch, the corresponding 
parts of each leg are wet and note is made of the one 
drying first. In cases of suspected foot lameness, 
the animal may be driven, the degree of lameness 
noted, and a five per cent solution of cocaine may then 
be injected with a hypodermic syringe over the nerves 
on either side of the tendon, in the hollow just above 
and back of the foot. If the lameness is in the lower 
and back part of the foot, it will be stopped or greatly 
lessened temporarily. 

SWEENEY, SHOULDER LAMENESS 

While shoulder lameness is rare, one form that is 
met with, particularly in young horses, is called sweeney. 
It is a rapid wasting away of certain muscles on the 
outside of the shoulder-blade. 

Sweeney is caused by severe pulling, especially in 
young horses when first put at hard work, such as 
plowing. The blood vessels or nerves of the affected 



92 The Care of Animals 

muscles seem to be injured by the pressure of the 
collar. While sweeney is commonly caused by plowing, 
any hard, continuous pulling may produce it. 

In many cases there is a lack of definite symptoms, 
the first thing noticed being a wasting away of the 
muscles on the outside of the shoulder-blade, and a lack 
of proper use of the corresponding front leg. In a few 
cases there may be marked pain, as shown by sweating, 
rolling and pointing the nose toward the shoulder, with 
a temporary swelling of the muscles. These symptoms 
are followed by the wasting of the muscles. 

Severe and long -continued cases of lameness in the 
fore leg often cause a gradual wasting of the muscles of 
the shoulder from a lack of use of the leg. The same 
condition occurring in the hind leg is sometimes called 
"hip Sweeney," but such wasting of muscles from disuse 
is not properly so called. In sweeney, the muscles on 
the outside of the shoulder-blade seem to disappear; the 
skin appears to grow fast to the bone, and the form of 
the bone can be plainly seen as it moves beneath the 
skin. In using the leg, the animal swings it outward. 
In most cases of sweeney, the horse is but slightly lame. 

To treat, remove the cause. If necessary to work the 
animal, a perfect-fitting collar should be used, and the 
work made light. The skin over the affected muscles 
should be loosened from the tissues beneath by manipu- 
lation. Rubbing the muscles, and using a mild lini- 
ment, is good. A seaton of tape inserted beneath the 
skin over the affected muscles, beginning at the top and 
brought out below, or two or three light blisters three 
weeks apart, in most cases will effect a cure. Hand- 



Foundered Horses 93 

rubbing with liniment is preferable. Two months should 
be allowed for a complete cure. In cases in which there 
is a wasting of the muscles of the shoulder with severe 
lameness, the cause should be sought in the leg or foot, 
and when the lameness is removed the muscles will 
resume their normal shape. 

LAMINITIS, OR FOUNDER 

This is inflammation of the sensitive laminae or 
plates of the foot. It usually affects the front feet, but 
may occur in all feet in rare cases. This disease is also 
called "chest founder," as it was once supposed that the 
apparent wasting of the muscles of the chest brought it 
on. Inflammation of the feet may not be confined to the 
sensitive laminae, but may extend to all the sensitive 
structures inside the hoof. 

Injuries to the feet, either from accidents, or from 
the concussion of hard and fast driving, long and severe 
drives, or driving a horse through cold water while 
warm, may cause inflammation of the feet. Feeding or 
watering a horse when he is very warm or tired, or a 
sudden and violent change of food, may also be causes 
of the trouble. Laminitis frequenth^ occurs in cattle 
that are on full feed and in oxen or other animals 
following long drives. 

Inflammation of the feet may be severe and acute, or 
it may occur in a milder, persistent chronic form, the 
symptoms varying much with the type of the disease. 

Acute laminitis is usually found in the front feet. 
There is difficult locomotion, the horse dislikes to bear 



94 The Care of Animals 

weight on the inflamed feet, and when forced to move 
does so with a stiff and stilted movement. He can 
hardly hobble along. When standing, he places the 
front feet as far forward as possible, and draws the hind 
feet well nnder the body, in order to take the weight 
off the inflamed feet. This position causes the muscles 
of the breast to relax, and, apparently, to disappear; but 
as soon as the horse assumes the normal position the 
muscles are seen. Laminitis may start with a chill, 
followed by a rise of temperature, 103° to 104° F. 
The pulse is full, bounding, and rather hard to the 
touch. The affected parts are hot, and there is a 
distinct throbbing of the arteries of the foot. In some 
cases the horse may lie down and roll with pain, and 
there may be severe diarrhoea. 

The shoes should be pulled off and the horse placed in 
well -bedded quarters that will tempt him to lie down. 
This position lessens the pain and favors recovery. 
The affected feet should be wrapped with soft cloths 
or packed with moss, and kept wet with cold water to 
reduce the inflammation. A heaping tablespoc'uful of 
saltpeter may be given three times daily as a drench. 
In case the cold water does not relieve, try applications 
of hot water for twenty minutes at a time, every two 
hours. 

Chronic laminitis may develop from an acute form, 
or it may gradually appear as the result of mild but 
persistent irritation. It varies from cases that show 
but a very slight soreness in the front feet, to those 
in which locomotion is difficult. The causes are, in 
general, the same as for acute laminitis. It is frequently 



Founder 95 

the result of driving on city pavements, the repeated 
concussion setting up a chronic inflammation. 

The symptoms are not so marked as in the acute 
form. The horse places the feet well forward in stand- 
ing, or shifts the weight from one foot to the other. In 
obstinate cases, the outline of the front of the hoof is 
concave instead of straight and the hoof is marked by 
circular rings of horn. The hoof is hard and dry, and 
the heels are likelj^ to be contracted. 

Treatment for chronic laminitis is rarely very satis- 
factory as far as a cure is concerned, but it will often 
give much relief. If possible, the horse should be 
placed in a clay stall, or the feet may be soaked in a 
tub for two hours twice daily, wiped dry and oiled with 
the following hoof- dressing: 

Turpentine 1 ounce 

Pine tar 1 ounce 

Beeswax 2 ounces 

Fish oil 4 ounces 

Melt together, and apply twice daily with a brush to 
all parts of the foot. In the absence of the hoof- dressing 
any good oil or glycerine may be used. Horses that are 
foot -sore or tender can be benefited by shoeing with 
broad webbed bar shoes, with rubber heel pads beneath 
to lessen the jar. Light blisters applied to the coronets 
(top of the hoof) once in four weeks may be beneficial. 

COFFIN -JOINT LAMENESS 

This disease is also called "navicular disease" and 
"navicular arthritis." It is an inflammation of the 



96 The Care of Animals 

under surface of the navicular bone and the tendon that 
passes over it. It occurs in the front feet, and when 
well established is practically^ incurable. It is usually 
found in horses that are good drivers, and is one of the 
serious diseases to which fast horses are liable. It is 
rarely seen in draft horses. 

The disease comes on gradually without apparent 
cause. The horse points the affected foot out while 
standing. There is little, if any, noticeable irjflammation 
in the foot. In moving, the horse does not bend the 
coffin -joint as much as usual, and as a result digs the 
toe into the ground, and in placing the foot down strikes 
the dirt up forward. There is a decided lameness that 
does not disappear to any extent by driving, and may 
get worse. The horse prefers to stand on the toes as 
much as possible, and as a result the heels are likely to 
be unusually deep. The disease maybe easily diagnosed 
by injecting cocaine over the nerves. 

In the early stages, remove the shoes and poultice the 
foot, giving plenty of rest. When the trouble is well 
established there is no cure; the only treatment is a 
surgical operation commonly called ''nerving" and 
technically known as neurectomy, or neurotomy. The 
operation consists in cutting out a section of the nerve 
that supplies the diseased part. This destroys all 
sensation, but it does not cure the disease. 

There are two methods of operating — the "high," 
when sections of the nerve are removed on both sides 
of the leg above the fetlock, and the "low," when sec- 
tions of a nerve are removed on either side in the hollow 
below the fetlock. In the high operation all sensation 



Coffin -joint Lameness 97 

in the foot is destroyed; in the low operation the 
sensation is destroyed in the lower and back part of the 
foot only. 

The writer advises the low operation in all cases 
when it will give relief, and this is easily determined 
by injecting cocaine (five per cent solution) over the 
nerves at the seat of the operation. If properly per- 
formed, no bad results follow the operation and the horse 
gets relief from pain. When the low operation will not 
give relief, and the horse suffers pain, the high opera- 
tion is to be recommended. The objection to the high 
operation is, that in some cases there is likely to follow 
degeneration of the tissues of the foot to such an extent 
as to necessitate a destruction of the animal. Yet an 
animal generally gives years of service, without pain, 
when he otherwise would be useless. Neurectomy, if 
properly performed under the effects of cocaine, is prac- 
tically painless, and cannot be considered cruel. In 
fact, the cruelty lies in allowing a horse to suffer when a 
simple operation would give relief. The writer does 
not recommend neurectomy when it is to be performed 
at any point above the knee or fetlock, except in rare 
instances. The indiscriminate practice of neurectomy 
is bad; the operation is not a "cure-all," and is to be 
employed only after careful consideration, for a specific 
purpose, and by a skilled surgeon. 

CORNS 

Corns result from bruises of the sole. They al- 
ways occur on the inside half of the sole of the front 



98 The Care of Animals 

feet, in the angle formed by the bar and the wall of 
the inside quarter. They usually result from stepping 
upon stones or other hard substances. Horses with flat, 
weak feet are more liable than others to have corns. 

There is severe lameiiess; the horse tries to step on 
the outer edge of the foot as much as possible. The 
lameness is most marked when the horse is driven 
on hard roads. In standing, the leg is bent to take 
all weight off the affected foot. If the foot is ex- 
amined, a dark brown spot will be seen where the corn 
is located. Tapping this spot with a hammer causes 
pain. 

In most cases the dark spot is a collection of blood 
or pus that needs to be removed. A hole cut through 
the sole of the foot, allowing this fluid to escape, gives 
relief. The hole should be washed out and turpentine, 
white lotion or a five per cent solution of carbolic acid 
in water applied. The shoe should be removed aud the 
animal kept in a clean stall. As soon as the discharge 
ceases, a little pine tar can be applied to the opening to 
keep out the dirt. In treating corns, avoid burning 
with caustics unless ^' proud flesh" forms, as this is 
likely to injure the tissues and interfere with the growth 
of new horn. A broad webbed bar shoe should be 
put on with a leather between the sole and the shoe. 
The leather is to be kept on only a few days until the 
horn grows a little, or it is likely to collect dirt. Horses 
subject to corns should be shod with wide webbed bar 
shoes to protect the feet. Wearing a shoe for too 
long a period without resetting so that it bears on the 
sole of the foot may cause corns, 



Quittor, or Gravel 99 

QUITTOR 

(qjuittor is a name applied to a running sore or fistula 
occurring at the top of the hoof or coronet. It is 
sometimes called "gravel." 

Quittors are the result of some injury, such as treads 
or calks of a mate, nail pricks in shoeing, "picking 
up a nail," corns, or puncture of the sole of the foot 
that allows gravel or other foreign bodies to get in and 
injure the soft tissues. 

In the early stages, soon after the injury and while 
pus is forming, there is severe lameness. The pus, 
unable to break through the horny hoof, works its way 
to the top and there breaks and discharges. In many 
cases, the part heals without any treatment, but in 
others, a chronic running sore forms. In the chronic 
form the horse may not be very lame 

In the early stages of the quittor, pull off the shoe 
and apply a good poultice, spread on a strong piece of 
cloth. By tying it above the hoof, it can be kept on 
for two days, but it should be changed frequently. 
Apply the poultice as hot as the animal can bear it, and 
when removed finally the foot should be washed and 
greased. As soon as pus has formed, the sore should be 
opened and washed out with a good antiseptic. Pure 
tincture of iodine should be injected twice a week, and 
the fistula washed out every other day with warm water 
to which is added a mild antiseptic. The treatment 
is the same as for a fistula of the withers. Quittors of 
long standing may have to be operated upon surgically 
to reraoveLdiS^sed tissues, before they will heal. 



100 The Care of Ayiimals 

PUNCTURED WOUNDS OF THE FOOT 

These are wounds made by some sharp object punc- 
turing the sole or the frog and injuring the soft tissues. 
They are likely to be serious, as the coffin -joint is often 
punctured, and tetanus (lockjaw) follows in other cases. 
Generally the injury arises from "picking up a nail" or 
from the prick of a nail in shoeing. In all cases of 
sudden and decided lameness, the foot should be carefully 
examined for nails and similar objects, or for holes 
which they have made. 

The nail or foreign body should first be withdrawn. 
If there is a collection of blood or pus, the hole must be 
enlarged, so that there is free drainage, and the sore 
washed out with a good antiseptic. One part of perox- 
ide of hydrogen to three of water is excellent; so is 
a five per cent solution of carbolic acid in water, pure 
turpentine, or a 1- to -1000 solution of corrosive sub- 
limate. If there is much soreness, the foot should be 
poulticed for a day or two and then treated as a corn 
is that has been opened. The horse should be kept in 
a clean, dry stall, so that no dirt will get into the 
wound. 

THRUSH 

Thrush is a deep fissure in the horny frog extend- 
ing to the sensitive frog and is associated with some 
inflammation of the latter and the discharge of a small 
amount of bad -smelling pus from the cleft of the frog. 
It occurs in either the front or the hind feet, most fre- 
quently in the latter. It is caused in most cases by 



Thrush — Hoof Crachs 101 

standing in manure and filth, but sometimes it occurs 
without apparent cause. Often it precedes other dis- 
eases of the foot, and seems to be brought on by a 
debilitated condition of the system. 

There is a crack in the horny frog with a foul -smell- 
ing discharge. There is lameness or tenderness, 
especially when the foot strikes some hard object. 
The hoof is dry and the heel feverish. 

Poultice the foot to soften the parts, trim away the 
edges of the cleft so as to get at the seat of the disease, 
make a swab and cauterize the cleft thoroughly with 
"butter of antimony" or some other liquid caustic. 
After using a caustic once, calomel can be dusted into 
the cleft once daily; this dries up the discharge and in 
most cases will cure the disease. Compound tincture of 
benzoin and oil of tar, equal parts, is also good. The 
shoes should be removed and frog pressure given. If it 
is necessary to work the horse, "tips" or bar shoes 
can be put on. It is essential that the foot be kept 
clean and dry. If the horse is debilitated, good nourish- 
ing food, with tonic condition-powders, should be given. 
Pulling off the shoes and giving a run at pasture 
will often eifect a cure. 

CRACKED HOOFS 

A "quarter -crack" is a crack in the wall of the hoof, 
beginning at the top or coronet, and extending down- 
ward in the wall. When the crack begins at the bottom 
and extends upward it is called a "sand-crack"; if in 
front it is sometimes called a "toe -crack." 



102 The Care of Animals 

In most cases cracks in the walls of the hoof are 
due to a dry, weakened condition of the walls. Severe 
exertion, especially fast work on hard roads, tends to 
split the hoof. Cracks may also be caused by an injury 
to the coronet, where the horny wall is secreted; this 
interferes with the growth of horn, and a crack results. 
Excessive growth of the wall in unshod horses may 
cause cracks. 

Quarter-crack may cause severe lameness. ^ The hoof 
spreads as the animal steps on it and the soft tissues 
are often pinched in the crack as the foot is picked up 
and the crack closes, thus causing 
the parts to bleed. Sand and 
gravel may get into the crack and 
cause trouble, or "proud flesh" may 
form that interferes with the heal- 
ing. In some cases there is no 
lameness, and unscrupulous horse- 
traders sometimes hide the cracks 
Fig. 25. Quarter-crack j^y filling with soap, in Order to 

closed by nails. 

dispose of the horse. 
The crack is to be neatly cleaned out; if "proud flesh" 
exists, it is to be destroyed with a caustic, antiseptics 
applied to the crack, and then pine tar, to keep out dirt 
and assist in healing. The crack should be drawn 
together by a shoeing nail driven across the crack, 
drawn tightly together and clinched (Fig. 25). It may 
be necessary to drill the holes for the nails, but in most 
cases a good shoeing smith can drive them. Small clips 
are made for this purpose, which can be fitted into 
grooves on each side of the crack, and closed by large 




Shoeing Horses 103 

pincers. A light blister applied to the coronet where 
the crack starts will stimulate the growth of horn. 
Cutting through the wall at right angles to the point 
of the crack will often prevent the crack extend- 
ing further. The hoof should be kept well oiled. 
Care should be taken, until it is well healed, that 
the horse is not subjected to severe exertion that 
will split the crack open. 

SHOEING 

Shoeing consists in fastening to the hoof of the 
animal some hard substance, usually iron. Shoes are 
applied for several reasons: 

(1) Shoeing is employed to prevent the rapid wear- 
ing away of the horn of the hoof, and thus to prevent 
the feet from getting sore and tender when traveling. 
This is the reason for shoeing most horses. In some 
parts of the country it is not common to shoe horses 
unless they show the need of it by getting footsore 
when traveling, especially on a hard road. When horses 
show the need of shoeing, it is first seen in the fore feet. 
In many parts of the country, shoes are applied only to 
the front feet, except in rare cases in which the hind 
feet show signs of too rapid wear. For ordinary 
uses, a shoe without calks and just heavy enough to 
prevent bending is best; such shoes are often called 
"plates." If shoes are too heavy they are likely to 
tire a horse and make him leg-weary. 

(2) When roads are slippery, from ice or other 
causes, or when horses are subjected to heavy pulling, it 



104 The Care of Animals 

is necessary to shoe them so that they can get a grip that 
will enable them to stand, or to pull loads. For this 
purpose shoes with sharp calks are usually put on. 
For horses that are used for rapid driving on asphalt 
paved streets, a rubber-faced shoe gives good results, as 
it not only prevents slipping, but it lessens the jar upon 
the foot. In winter, during icy weather, when horses 
are not "sharp" but have on smooth "plates," or shoes 
with the calks worn smooth, the horse can travel much 
better on icy roads if the shoes are removed entirely, as 
the horny hoof is less slippery than the smooth shoe. 
There are upon the market several kinds of shoes that 
have removable calks, so that in icy weather sharp 
calks can be inserted without removing the shoe. 
Such shoes give good service if they are looked after 
and the calks are not allowed to remain so long that 
they are difficult to remove. 

(3) It is often necessary with horses that are intended 
for speed, or road work, to apply shoes of unusual pattern 
or weight for the purpose of modifying their action in 
some manner. Such shoes have to be made and set to 
suit each individual case. In heavy draft horses extra 
heavy shoes are sometimes put on the front feet to im- 
part action to these members. Peculiar shoes are often 
applied to the feet to suit abnormal or diseased condi- 
tions; such an one is the high -heeled shoe used to give 
relief in bone spavin. 

(4) "Tips" are sometimes used. They are thin steel 
shoes applied to the toe and allowed to extend a short 
distance on the inside and outside quarters (Fig. 26). 
They are like an ordinary shoe, except that they come 



Tip Shoes 



105 



only half way back and are thin at the ends. They 
are applied by cutting away the wall at the toe until 
the tip can be put on and the foot kept level. Tips 
never have calks. The advantages 
of tips are many. They allow the 
heel to come to the ground, thus 
giving plenty of frog pressure, 
which is so important in preserv- 
ing a healthy foot. The tip of 
steel protects the hoof from too 
rapid wearing away, and keeps 
the wall from splitting. Sole, 
heel and frog all coming in con- 
tact with the ground or pavement, 
the animal is able to get a good 
grip, and thus to avoid slipping. 
After a horse has been driven with 
tips for a time the hoof becomes 
tough and seems to wear away 
very slowly. If tips are well ap- 
plied, they usually give excellent results, both on dirt 
roads and pavements. 




Fig. 26. Contracted foot 
shod with tip shoe 



FITTING THE SHOE 



The sole of the foot should be kept perfectly level, 
as any undue weight on one side of the foot may lead 
to injuries of the joints. All loose horn should be re- 
moved, and the wall of the hoof leveled with the sole. 
The bars should not be cut away, as they act as natural 
braces to the heels; and the frog is to be left in its 



106 The Care of Animals 

normal size and shape to act as a cushion for the foot. 
After the foot is brought to its normal form, the shoe 
should be made and fitted to it. The shoe must be of the 
exact size of the foot, so that it will come flush with 
the outer edge of the hoof. The nail -holes should not 
be very close to the edge of the shoe, for in that case it 
is necessary to drive the nails too far up into the wall to 
make them hold. The shoe should be fitted cold, or just 
touched to the foot while hot, never burned into posi- 
tion. The nails should be small, and when driven 
should be brought out well down on the hoof. If 
driven too high, when the horse is re -shod the former 
nail -holes are near the edge and serve to weaken the 
hoof and interfere with the driving of new nails. After 
the shoe is fastened, the nails are to be clinched in small 
grooves filed for the purpose. After this is done, the 
clinches maybe smoothed with the rasp; but the outside 
of the hoof should not be rasped, as this will remove 
its natural protective covering. 

Shoes should be reset every five or six weeks, as the 
hoof grows out over the shoe, so as to cause the shoe 
to bear on the sole instead of the wall of the foot. 

Care should be exercised to keep the feet of colts in 
a normal form before they are shod, as irregularities of 
the feet are often the causes of disease. When shoes 
are pulled off and an animal is to go barefooted, the 
edges of the hoofs should be rasped off round, so 
that they will not split badly. 

In devising special shoes for various forms of lame- 
ness or defective gait, the position that the animal as- 
sumes in travelling is a good indication of the kind of 



Shoeing a Horse 107 

shoe needed. For instance, if a horse steps on his 
toe, the inference is that it hurts him to bring the heel 
to the ground; hence, a high -heeled shoe will usually 
give relief. 

For interfering, overreaching or forging, and other 
defects in gait, no definite directions can be given. 
Each case is best treated after a careful study of its 
own peculiarities. For all such eases as these, only an 
expert horse -shoer should be consulted. 



CHAPTER VI 

INDICATIONS OF DISEASE IN ANIMALS 

Modern veterinary medicine follows human medi- 
cine very closely, both in theory and practice, and the 
same methods of treatment are used in disease, except 
when the structure of the animal or other circum- 
stances require a special modification. The days of 
bleeding, of violent purging, of large doses of vile 
drugs have passed, and with them have disappeared 
many mythical diseases, which were once a source of fear 
to stock -owners. Disease is no longer the mysterious 
visitation of Providence that it was then considered to be. 
Its causes are definite and in most cases well known. 
In those diseases whose cause is still unknown the 
fearful mystery of other days has disappeared under 
the scrutiny of definite scientific research. 

The body of an animal is constructed upon the same 
general plan as the human body. It is well known 
that the differences between man and the animals is 
not so largely physical as mental. There is the same 
bony framework, with joints between the bones to give 
mobility, the bones being held together by strong bands 
of white fibrous connective tissue, called ligaments. 
Covering the bones and forming a large part of the 
body is the great mass of muscular tissue (lean meat), 
whose function is not only to move the various parts 

(108) 



The Animal Body 109 

of the body, but to assist the bones in giving pro- 
tection to some of the more delicate structures and 
organs. Within the body is the digestive system, which 
receives and prepares the food for the use of the 
millions of cells which constitute the living body. To 
carry this prepared food to these cells is the work of the 
circulatory system, composed of the heart and the blood- 
vessels. The arteries carry the blood from the heart to 
the different parts of the body, the minute capillaries 
distribute it through the tissues, and the veins collect 
the impure blood and carry it back to the heart. 
Thence it passes to the lungs, where some of the 
waste matters are removed and cast out in the exhaled 
air. The respiratory system consists of the lungs, 
with their infinite number of air-cells, and the pas- 
sages leading to them — the windpipe and its branches 
— through which pure air is taken in and impure air 
breathed out. 

The urinary system, consisting of the kidneys and 
bladder and the tubes connecting them, serves the pur- 
pose of taking waste matter from the blood and excret- 
ing it from the body. Closely associated with this 
system is the reproductive system, which consists, in 
the female, of the uterus, or womb, and ovaries, and 
in the male, of the testicles, with the passages leading 
from them. The function of this system is the re- 
production of the species. 

Covering the outside of the body is the skin. Its func- 
tions are to protect the body, to throw off waste ma- 
terials in the perspiration or sweat, and to serve as an 
organ of feeling or sensation, The nervous system con- 



110 The Care of Animals 

trols the whole body, making the different parts act in 
harmony. It enables the animal to comprehend what 
is going on around him, and to regulate his own activ- 
ities. The brain, spinal cord and nerves, together with 
small masses of nervous tissue known as ganglia, con- 
stitute the nervous system. 

When all of these different systems and parts of 
the body are complete and in their normal working 
order, the animal is said to be in a state of health. 
But when some parts of the body are injured, or their 
work is in any way interfered with, an abnormal con- 
dition occurs to which the term "disease" is applied. 

It is essential that the observer be familiar with the 
actions of the animal, not only in a state of health, but 
also in disease, — since it is by comparison of these two 
conditions that disease is recognized. Signs of disease 
are commonly known as "symptoms." The study of these 
symptoms and the recognition of their causes is called 
"diagnosing the disease," or "diagnosis." The expression 
of an opinion as to the probable future course of the 
disease is called "prognosis," and, if favorable, indicates 
that the observer believes that the animal will recover; 
if unfavorable, that it will not. The following points 
are be particularly noted in examining sick animals. 

PULSE 

The pulse is the throbbing of an artery. By it is 
determined the heart's action and also the condition of 
the nervous system. In the horse, the pulse is usually 
taken where the submaxillary artery winds under the 



The Pulse 111 

lower jaw. By standing at the left side of the horse's 
head and running the finger gently along the lower 
jaw-bone, the artery will be felt just at the front 
edge of the large muscle at the side of the jaw. In 
taking the pulse of a cow, the person stands on the 
left side of the animal, but takes the pulse of the 
right jaw by reaching over the neck. In the dog and 
the sheep the pulse is usually taken from the femoral 
artery, which comes down close to the bone on the 
inside of the hind leg. 

In health, the pulse feels full, round and regular, 
as it throbs against the finger. It varies in frequency 
in the different animals as follows: 

Horse . . , 30 to 40 beats per minute. 

Cow 40 to 50 " 

Sheep 70 to 80 " " " 

Dog 70 to 90 " " " 

The pulse beats more rapidly in young animals than 
in old. Excitement and exercise also increase its ra- 
pidity. The pulse varies not only in rate, but also in 
quality. The pulse may be "hard"; that is, the artery 
wall is not easily depressed by the finger. A "quick" 
pulse is one in which the beat comes up suddenly; but 
this does not necessarily imply a greater number of beats 
per minute. In fact, a quick pulse may be an infre- 
quent one. A "slow" pulse is the opposite of the quick, 
the beat coming up very gradually against the finger. 
A "soft" pulse is the opposite of the hard. It is easily 
compressed by the finger. An "irregular" pulse beats 
unevenly, — very rapidly for a time and then very slowly. 



112 Tlie Care of Animals 

An "intermittent" pulse drops a beat regularly, as, for 
instance, if every fourth beat be wanting. 

The different conditions of the pulse are often strong 
symptoms of certain diseases. A soft pulse indicates 
bronchitis; a slow, full pulse, a disease of the brain; 
an intermittent pulse, heart trouble. An irregular, 
faint and fluttering pulse also denotes weak heart ac- 
tion A hard, quick, bounding pulse usually indicates 
acute inflammation. By practice the veterinarian be- 
comes very skilful in diagnosing disease by means of 
the pulse. 

TEMPERATURE 

The temperature of animals is taken by means of a 
self -registering, clinical (fever) thermometer, inserted 
into one of the natural openings of the body, usually the 
anus or the vulva. The thermometer should always be 
shaken down before using, and allowed to remain in 
the body at least three minutes. The temperature of 
animals in a state of health ranges as follows: 

Horse ] 00 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Cow 100 to 103 '* 

Sheep. ....... 101 to 103 '' 

Dog 101 to 102 

Pig 102 to 104 

Fowls 107 to 108 " 

A rise in temperature, commonly called fever, de- 
notes inflammation and a rapid oxidation of the tissues 
of the body. A rise in temperature of six degrees or 
more is likely to be dangerous, unless it is caused by 
some local condition that is soon removed. In disease, 



Temperature (uid Respiration 113 

a rise of four degrees is serious. A sudden fall of tem- 
perature below normal, unless due to some local cause, 
is alwaj's serious, and usualh' denotes waning vitality 
and the approach of death. A person "who takes care 
of much stock should equip himself with a good clinical 
thermometer and familiarize himself with its use. He 
will find it a valuable aid in recognizing disease. 

RESPIRATION 

Respiration, commonly called breathing, consists of 
two movements — the taking in of air (inspiration) and 
the forcing out of air (expiration). In the horse there 
is usually one respiration to three pulse -beats. In 
health, a horse takes from twelve to fifteen iuspiratious 
per minute; a cow, ten to twenty-five, and a dog about 
twenty. Rapid breathing may be caused by excitement, 
b}' exercise or by excessive heat. The breathing is also 
faster when the animal's stomach is distended with food 
or with gas, or if, for any other reason, the capacity of 
the lung cavit}- is diminished. 

Short, rapid or labored breathing usually indicates 
disease of the respiratory organs. Snoring indicates 
an obstruction of the air-passages of the throat or head, 
or it may- come from disease of the brain. It often 
marks the near approach of death. Abdominal breath- 
ing makes prominent use of the diaphragm (midriif) 
and the abdominal muscles. It usually indicates sore- 
ness of the lungs, and in horses is a symptom of 
heaves. 

Coughing is the forcible expulsion of the air from 



114 The Care of Animals 

the lungs, with a partial closure of the glottis. It 
is an endeavor to remove some irritating substance 
from the lungs or throat. There are two varieties of 
cough commonly recognized by veterinarians. The 
"moist" cough, in which mucus is expelled, accompanies 
an excessive secretion and collection of fluids in the 
air-passages. The "dry" cough is of a hacking nature 
and indicates irritation of the throat or lungs. 

THE MUCOUS MEMBRANE 

The mucous membrane is the soft, smooth, pink 
lining of all the natural openings of the body. It 
lines throughout its length the alimentary canal, and 
all other organs to which the external air may be 
admitted. If any mucous surface is congested and 
red, it shows a general irritated condition of this 
tissue. Such a condition is observed in the disease 
commonly called "pink-eye." If the mucous mem- 
branes are abnormally pale, it indicates a debilitated 
or anaemic condition of the body. A sudden and 
marked pallor of the mucous membranes accompanies 
an excessive loss of blood. If it is blue or slate - 
colored, a lack of oxygen in the blood is indicated. 
A yellow tint in the mucous membrane shows that the 
liver is deranged. 

EXCRETIONS 

The excretions of the body, the faeces (dung), 
urine and perspiration, vary, in diseased animals, not 
only in quantity and appearance, but often in com- 



The Excretions 115 

position as well. The excretions are an excellent in- 
dex to the general condition of the bowels, kidneys and 
skin. During fevers the urine is scanty and highly 
colored. In azoturia, in horses, it varies in color from 
light brown to a dark coffee color, or almost black. 
In Texas or southern cattle fever, the urine of the 
affected animal is red in color. In mares, and some- 
times in geldings, the urine is often thick and of a light 
yellow appearance in early summer. This condition 
is due to the large amounts of salts and mucus in the 
urine, and it is not a serious symptom. Some horses 
sweat profusely from slight exertion. In many in- 
stances this is due to an unusually heavy coat of hair. 
If this is true the coat should be clipped. In some 
cases of profuse sweating the kidneys are to blame. 
They may be stimulated to greater activity by small 
doses of saltpeter, a heaping teaspoonful twice daily, 
given for a few days. This will often overcome the 
trouble by relieving the skin of excessive labor as an 
excretory organ. 

GENERAL APPEARANCE 

Sick animals usually assume the position that will 
give most relief, or lessening of the pain, to a diseased 
or injured part. Therefore, a person attempting to 
determine its condition should approach the animal 
very quietly, and, before disturbiug it, should care- 
fully note its general appearance and posture. This is 
an important aid in determining the seat of the trouble. 
In taking the pulse, temperature and respiration, the 



116 The Care of Animals 

animal should be disturbed as little as possible. The 
appearance of the coat should be carefully noted. Is 
the hair erect, as is frequently the case during a chill? 

Note the condition of the skin as to its feeling" to the 
hand, whether harsh, scurfy or "hidebound." Such 
a condition usually indicates poor nutrition, either 
from lack of food or from some digestive trouble. 
Tiie appetite should also be noticed, signs of the 
presence or absence of pain, dullness, or nervousness. 
In fact, the general expression of the face and the 
body is very important in diagnosing disease. If the 
animal is a female, the question of pregnancy, milk 
secretion or period of heat should always be taken 
into consideration. 

A careful examination should always be made of 
the food and water. By inquiry-, one should determine 
the work, lack of exercise, duration of sickness, and 
all other facts bearing upon the history of the case. 
An incidental remark, giving an apparently insignifi- 
cant fact, often furnishes the ckte which will lead to 
the correct diagnosis of the disease and to the determin- 
ing of the cause. Animals having nervous diseases, 
especially those affecting the brain, should always be 
approached with great care, as they are often irrespon- 
sible and may do serious injurj^ to those who treat 
them. This is notably true of dogs which show symp- 
toms of rabies (hydrophobia). In examining or earing 
for animals that may be suffering from a contagious 
disease, precautions should always be taken to prevent 
the infection of persons, or the spreading of the dis- 
ease to other animals by carelessness of the attendant. 



Post-mortem Examhiation 117 

POST-MORTEM EXAMINATION 

It is frequently important to examine the body of 
an animal in order to discover the cause of death, 
whether from accident or disease, and to determine the 
nature of the disease. In order to determine any ab- 
normal condition of the organs, a person familiar with 
the appearance of the organs in health should make 
the exatriination. A post-mortem examination should 
be made as soon as possible after death, as changes 
resulting from decomposition of the body or contents 
of the digestive S3'stem soon occur, and these changes 
are likely to mislead an inexperienced person. "Rigor 
mortis," or death -stiffening, usually begins soon after 
death, varying from one-half hour to twenty-four hours. 
It lasts, on an average, about thirty hours; then the 
muscles become softer and signs of decomposition soon 
follow. 

The first thing to be observed in post-mortem exam- 
ination is the position of the bodj^ provided it has 
not been moved. Sometimes animals become "cast," 
or lie down in such positions that they are unable to 
get up without assistance, and then die. In other 
cases they may be caught in ropes, mangers or stan- 
chions and injnred sufficient!}^ to cause death. Signs 
of struggling should be looked for, especially if poi- 
soning is suspected. Malicious poisoning of stock, w^hile 
frequently suspected, is extremely rare, except among 
dogs and cats. The two poisons most frequently used 
with malicious intent are strychnine and arsenic. When 
strychnine is used the animal dies in convulsions, and 



118 The Care of Animals 

there is evidence of struggling or of spasms. Strug- 
gling also occurs in many other forms of death. When 
arsenic is used there is irritation and inflammation of 
the stomach and bowels. 

An examination should be made for abnormal dis- 
charges from the natural openings of the bod^^ These 
may occur as a result o£ bloating or decomposition 
following death, or from the position of the body, 
which may allow their escape by gravity. In case the 
animal is a female and pregnant, evidence of parturition 
should be looked for. 

The general appearance of the body should be noted, 
whether fat or thin, as indicating starvation or disease. 

Signs of mange or itch should be looked for, as well 
as evidence of injuries, especially fractures of bones, 
punctured or gun-shot wounds, and hernias or rup- 
tures. Bruises do not show plainly on animals until the 
skin is removed. Sores that come from lying in one 
position, or from struggling, are often important. In 
regions where Texas fever occurs in cattle, the skin on 
the abdomen and inside of the thighs and legs should 
be examined for ticks. 

After a thorough external examination, the skin 
should be removed and the body examined for wounds 
or bruises. It must be remembered that, after death, 
the blood settles in the lowest parts of the body, and 
this must not be mistaken for disease. The color of the 
tissues should be noted. Abnormallj^ black, or bruised, 
bloody -looking muscle, in young cattle, may indicate 
blackleg; or, in adult cattle and other animals, may 
be anthrax. The appearance of the blood is important, 



Post -mortem Examination 119 

as to its color and whether it is clotted. Thin black 
blood with a disagreeable odor indicates the presence of 
germs, and blood poisoning or a contagious or infec- 
tious disease is to be suspected. If the white tissues are 
abnormally yellow, a disease of the liver is indicated. 

After the skin is removed, the fore leg on the upper 
side should be removed, the ribs cut off a few inches 
from the backbone and down the middle of the chest. 
The soft tissues should be cut and the whole covering 
of one side removed. This exposes all the organs in 
the chest and abdominal cavities. In cutting into the 
cavities, the quantity of watery fluid that escapes, its 
color and its odor, should be noticed. If an abnormal 
quantity escapes from the abdomen it indicates dropsy 
or a rupture of the bladder. In the latter case the 
characteristic odor of urine is present. If the fluid is 
red in color it indicates an inflammation of the bowels 
or the lining membrane of the abdomen, or the pres- 
ence of blood. The fluid of the chest cavity is also 
important. An excessive quantity indicates an inflam- 
mation of the lungs. In this case there are usually 
fibrous adhesions between the lungs and the chest-wall. 

The external color of the stomach and intestines is 
important. If red, the organs are congested; and if 
dark red or purple in color, inflamed. The presence 
of tumors, abscesses or growths on the intestines, liver, 
spleen or inside abdominal walls should be looked for, 
as well as the appearance of the gall-bladder in cattle, 
sheep and swine. The size of the abdominal organs 
is also important. The quantity, kind and condition 
of the food in the stomach and intestines are important, 



120 Tlie Care of Animals 

as is the presence of foreign bodies, hair-balls and 
parasites in the intestines. Nails and other foreign 
bodies are frequently found in the reticulum or "honey- 
comb" of cattle, but are of no significance unless there 
is some local injury. Soon after death the digestive 
juices begin to digest the stomach, and may produce 
holes in its walls; and in cattle the lining membrane 
usually slips off in large patches. These conditions 
should not be mistakfeli for disease. 

The kidneys and bladder should be examined for 
disease, or the presence of concretions, or "stones" or 
"gravel," so called. The color of the urine in the 
bladder is important. In horses, a dark red or brown- 
ish urine indicates azoturia; and, in cattle, Texas fever. 

The color and consistency of the lungs are very 
important. The healthy lung is very soft, spongy and 
a very light pink in color. After death the blood 
usually settles in the lower lung, making it dark in 
color. If the lungs are hard and firm, and dark col- 
ored, inflammation is indicated. When an inflamed 
lung is cut across there is often a marbled appearance 
and usuall}^ a fetid odor of decomposition. In tuber- 
culosis or consumption, hard lumps are usually found 
on the outside of the lungs, or on the chest- walls and 
diaphragm or midriff. (Fig. 56, Chapter XVI.) The 
lymphatic glands between the lungs are usually greatly 
enlarged, and these, with the lumps mentioned, are 
usualh^ filled with a yellow cheesy material, or pus. 
The throat, esophagus and nasal passages should be ex- 
amined for foreign bodies or food that may have choked 
the animal. 



CHAPTER VII 

TREATING SICK ANIMALS 

The sick animal should have the benefits of good 
nursing. By good nursing is meant the proper care of 
an ailing animal. Its aim is to hasten recovery from 
the ill effects of the disease. Most veterinarians of large 
experience, if required to choose between medicine and 
good nursing, would in a great majority of cases prefer 
to do without medicine, counting the nursing more 
important. A good nurse for ailing animals is one wdio 
understands them thoroughly, who can supply their 
needs, who is careful and attentive, studying always 
the well-being and comfort of his charges. 

In all cases of disease in animals, one of the first 
things to be done is to look for the cause of the trouble, 
and if possible to remove it. This is not only for the 
benefit of the ailing animal, but for others which may 
be equally susceptible to the disease but have not as 3'et 
come in contact with it. There should be a careful ex- 
amination of the surroundings of the animal, the work 
it has been doing, the food, water, general care, exer- 
cise, exposure, possibilities and sources of infection with 
contagious diseases, and other circumstances. It is true 
that in many cases there are severe and acute symptoms 
that require immediate and vigorous attention, such ns 
colic in horses or bloating in cattle; but even in these 

(121) 



J;t 



122 The Care of Animals 

instances the course is the same — the real cause of the 
trouble should be sought for, and if possible removed. 

Sick animals should be placed, as soon as possible, 
in comfortable quarters where the proper care and at- 
tention can be supplied. In many cases they will be 
found sick among the very conditions that have caused 
the disease, or that have at least weakened the animal's 
constitution. Surroundings may be injurious in various 
ways, — such as subjecting the animals to extremes of 
heat or cold or to inclement weather. 

BOX STALLS FOR SICK ANIMALS 

One of the most important things in the treatment 
of sick horses and cattle is a box stall of some sort, 
where the animal can be kept. There is probably no 
one thing so valuable, and yet so commonly lacking 
in farm barns. Not only in cases of sickness is it 
useful. It is a place in which to confine an animal 
when she is about to give birth to her young. It is 
invaluable for the immediate care of the young after 
birth, and for the confining of them at weaning time. 

A box stall should be located where it will be dry 
and well ventilated, warm in winter, cool in summer. 
It should be 10 x 12 feet in size and high, to allow 
for good ventilation. It should be strongly made and 
ceiled on the inside and overhead, so that it can be 
readily disinfected. A plank floor should be laid. Dirt 
or paved floors, while good in some ways, are likely 
to be damp and cold. Earth floors cannot be disin- 
fected easily. Two strong wide doors, one opening into 



Box Stalls for SicJi Animals 123 

the barn and one into a smooth yard, are important 
adjuncts. The doors should not be opposite, as that 
would produce a draft. They should be made with 
independent upper and lower halves. The doors should 
be wide enough so that an animal can be easily carried 
in when unable to walk; and it is necessary sometimes 
to get him out while in the same condition. In the 
corner opposite the inner door, there should be a win- 
dow, protected with bars and arranged so that it can 
be opened for ventilation, and darkened when necessary. 
In another corner should be placed a feed -box, w^hich 
can be removed when not in use. There should be 
strong rings for tying and for drawing the head up 
for drenching. Strong hooks in the ceiling will be 
found to be useful. 

In caring for sick animals, the quarters should be 
kept as clean, tidy and free from medicinal and other 
disagreeable odors as possible. The floors should be 
scraped frequently, but not washed, unless for some 
particular purpose, as washing makes the quarters too 
damp. If it can lie down, the animal should be well 
bedded with fine, dr}', loose litter. In cases in which 
sick animals are disposed to eat the bedding, tan -bark, 
moss or even sawdust can be used. Bedding should 
be removed when not needed. The quarters should be 
kept at a comfortable temperature, and, above all, 
should be well ventilated, as pure air is essential in 
sickness. Sufficient light should be admitted to make 
the quarters cheerful, except that for special reasons and 
particular diseases the stall should be darkened. In 
some nervous afflictions and diseases of the eye dark- 



124 The Care of Animals 

ening- the room may be necessary; also, to prevent 
annoyance from flies. 

BLANKETS, BANDAGES, SLINGS 

The sick animal can be protected against the cold 
or from drafts by covering with woollen blankets, the 
weight of the blanket being carefully adapted to the 
temperature. To protect the extremities, light woollen 
bandages may be applied, after rubbing the parts lightly 
to stimulate the circulation. 

Bandages are applied for protection, warmth, sup- 
port and for medicinal purposes. A "sweating" ban- 
dage is applied by first putting on a cotton bandage 
thoroughly wet with cold water and covering this with 
oiled silk or other impervious material to prevent evap- 
oration. Bandages for protection or support are made 
from strips of woollen cloth, about three inches wide 
and six feet long. They are first rolled into a neat 
roll. In applying them, one begins at the lower or 
smaller portion of the part to be bandaged, and winds 
upward (Fig. 27). The adjusting of bandages so that 
they are smooth and remain in position without in- 
terfering with the circulation requires considerable 
skill. Woven bandages, which possess considerable 
elasticity, are more satisfactory than those made of 
ordinary woollen cloth. 

Medicinal substances are often applied to a part by 
saturating the bandage; but care must be taken in ap- 
plying liniments or other irritating substances in this 
way, as they may blister severely. 



126 The Care of Animals 

A sling is frequently used in caring for sick or in- 
jured animals. It consists of a wide strip of stout 
canvas, placed under the animal and supported from 
above, usually by means of a chain and tackle, so that 
the weight of the animal may be taken off his legs and 
he still be kept in an upright position. In using slings, 
it is rarely advisable to attempt to carry the entire 
weight of the animal. The sling is usually placed 
under the animal so that he can settle into it of his 
own accord when he gets tired. It is sometimes neces- 
sary to raise animals by means of slings, but the 
animals are rarely suspended in them for any length 
of time. 

When animals are unable to lie down for a consider- 
able time, either from an injury or other cause, they 
will often rest themselves by leaning against supports. 
Wooden side supports can be placed in about the posi- 
tion that shafts would occupy on the horse. One should 
go across just in front of the breast, and, in case of an 
injury or lameness behind, another against the haunches. 
These supports should be protected by means of cloths 
or blankets. Animals are quick to take advantage of 
such things, and will get much relief by leaning against 
them. Such an arrangement is commonly called a 
"lean-to." Animals lying down can often be bolstered 
up into favorable positions by using sacks filJed with 
bedding. 

As a general thing, grooming sick animals lightly 
with hand -rubbing gives them relief. Exceptions must 
be made in some nervous diseases, when it is necessary 
to keep the animal free from all disturbances. 



Feeding Sicl- Animals 127 

FOOD FOR SICK ANIMALS 

The food plays an important part in the treatment of 
sick animals. In most diseases an effort must be made 
to maintain the strength of the body during the illness. 
If the animal can eat, then easily digestible, nutritious, 
but not bulky foods should be supplied, especially 
laxative foods that will keep the bowels open. Sickness 
usually brings on constipation, due largely to lack of 
exercise; and this condition should be overcome as far 
as possible by proper foods. The appetite of sick ani- 
mals is likely to be very capricious, and is often want- 
ing altogether. Therefore, food should be offered in 
as attractive form as possible. A small amount should 
be given at a time, and if it is refused it should be 
taken away at once. But the offer should be frequently 
repeated. To force food on a sick animal is advisable 
only in those cases when recovery depends largely upon 
the maintenance of strength. It is seldom a good plan 
to place medicines in the food -or water, unless they are 
tasteless and odorless, as an animal is likely to become 
suspicious and refuse the food when it is important that 
he should have it. 

Foods suitable for sick animals are fresh grass, 
roots, such as carrots, or apples from the hand, bran 
mashes, gruels and milk. These may contain beaten 
raw eggs, oats dry or boiled, or ground oats and bran 
mixed with cut hay and wet with cold water. If an 
animal is very thirsty, small quantities of fresh water 
should be given frequently until the thirst is quenched. 
Except in rare instances, sick animals may be allowed 



128 The Care of Animals 

all the fresh water they want. A little salt sprinkled on 
the food often proves to be attractive. The feed -boxes, 
pails and other utensils should be kept clean and 
free from medicinal odors. As was said at the begin- 
ning", the most important thing in nursing sick animals 
is that the attendant be kind and quiet; that he 
look carefully after the needs and wants of his patient, 
and, if reasonable, supply them regularly. 

GIVING MEDICINE 

In giving medicine to a sick animal the same rules 
are applicable as in giving it to a human being. Do 
not give medicine unless upon competent advice, or 
unless it is given intelligently for a definite purpose. 
Give no medicines to animals that j^ou would not be 
willing to take yourself in small amounts. Strong 
medicines should be diluted until there is no danger of 
burning the patient's mouth or throat, or of stran- 
gling him. 

The Drench. — Medicines can be given to a horse in 
the form of a "drench." The medicines are first dis- 
solved in water or other suitable liquid. The horse's 
head is drawn up by means of a rope, a loop of which 
is placed back of the incisor teeth of the upper jaw, 
the end passed under the nose -band of the halter 
and then drawn over a beam. With the head in 
this position, the medicine will not run from the 
mouth. By means of a taper-necked, strong glass 
bottle, or a drenching horn, the medicine is poured 
gradually into the horse's mouth, at the corner. 



Giving Medicine to a Horse 



129 




Fig. 28. Drenching a horse 

Fig. 28. In case a horse will not swallow, a tea- 
spoonful of water should be poured into the nostril. 
This will overcome the difficult}'. Drenches or medi- 
cines intended to be swallowed should not be given 
by pouring into the nostril, however. An excellent way 

I 



130 



The Care of Animals 



O 



of giving- medicine to horses is by means of a small 
syringe (Fig. 29); the horse's mouth is opened with 
the left hand, the medicine forced into the back part 
of the mouth, and the syringe withdrawn. With a 
little practice, by this method one can give medicine 
easily and quickly, without loss and without irritation 
to the animal. In giving drenches to cattle, 
the animal's head is raised by placing the 
thumb and first finger of the left hand in the 
nostrils and lifting the head high enough to 
keep the medicine from running from the 
mouth. An assistant, by taking hold of the 
horns, can steady the animal's head. Fig. 30. 
In giving medicine to dogs, the mouth can 
be opened hy taking hold of the upper jaw 
with the left hand and pushing the sides of 
the lips between the teeth. The medicine 
should then be quickly poured in well back 
on the tongue, in order that it may be swal- 
lowed at once. Pigs are difficult to drench, 
iig 29 -^1^ 1^ cutting a hole in the toe of an old 

Hard rub- "^ *= ^ _ 

ber syringe slioc, aud placiug this iu the creature's mouth, 
medidne ^^^' ^^^^^^ ^^ chcw ou, the mcdicinc can be poured 
into the shoe and so it will be swallowed. 
In giving drenches, great care should be exercised 
not to strangle the animal, or to get medicine into its 
lungs. Swallowing is impossible if the head is tipped 
too high or too far back. Never attempt to give medi- 
cine while an animal is struggling violently, squealing, 
coughing, or emitting other vocal sounds, or when it is 
pnly partially conscious, as the medicine is vevy likely 



Giving Mediriue to a Bull 



131 




Fig. 20. Drencliing a bull 

to ''g'o the wrong- way," and, getting into the lungs, 
to strangle the animal or set up inflammation. Irrita- 
ting medicines and oils should be g-iven with great 
caution. When there is doubt as to an animal's ability 
to swallow, first try him with a little pure water. 



132 The Care of Animals 

CoughiDg or gagging while being drenched is an 
indication that the patient is getting some of the medi- 
cine into his lungs. Proceedings should be suspended 
until the animal has recovered. 

When medicine for a horse is in the form of a ball 
or pill, it is held in the tips of the three middle fingers 
of the right hand, while the operator, standing in 
front of the horse, grasps the tongue with the left 
hand and draws it well forward, turning the tip upward 
toward the roof of the mouth. At the same time the 
ball in the right hand is inserted and pushed far back 
over the bulge of the tongue, and both hands are quickly 
withdrawn from the mouth. With a little practice, 
balls can be administered readily. In giving pills to 
dogs, the pill can be placed in a spoon containing 
milk, water or other liquid, and poured into the back 
part of the mouth, so that it can be taken at a single 
swallow. 

It is almost impossible to drench a sheep in the 
standing position without getting some of the fluid into 
the lungs. The sheep should be set up on its rump 
and held between the knees, the mouth opened with 
the thumb and fingers of the left hand, while the 
medicine is slowly poured into the mouth from the 
bottle held in the right hand. The neck of the bottle 
should be inserted in the corner of the mouth, pref- 
erably on the right side. This is the only way to 
prevent choking. Fig. 31. 

Hypodermic Medication. — Medicines are frequently 
administered by injecting jthem beneath the skin. In 
this method there is less liability of waste, and the 




Fig. 31. Drenching a sheep 



134 The Care of Animals 

action of the drug is much more rapid and certain. 
Much smaller quantities of medicine are required to pro- 
duce given effects than when given by the mouth. 
Medicines to be given hypodermicall}^ should be suf- 
ficiently diluted, so that they will not injure the tissues 
nor cause severe pain. They must be free from sedi- 
ment and germs. The hollow needle of the syringe 
should be unscrewed and taken in the right hand ; the 
skin in the region of the neck or shoulder is firmly 
grasped with the left, and with the right the needle is 
quickly pushed through it in a slanting direction. 
CoDsiderable force is required to push the needle 
through the skin of the larger and older animals, but 
the lack of resistance determines when the point is 
through. The syringe is then screwed on the needle and 
the medicine gradually injected. The medicine is injected 
into the loose tissue beneath the skin, usually in the 
region of the neck or shoulder, to avoid injury to the 
operator by the animal's kicking or biting. For special 
purposes, medicines may be injectexi into almost any 
part of the body. 

In giving medicines hypodermically it is important 
that the instrument be perfectly clean and that the 
medicine be pure and well diluted. Under some con- 
ditions, medicine may be injected into the trachea, or 
windpipe, by inserting the needle between the rings of 
cartilage of which this tube is composed. It should 
be given in this manner only upon the advice of well- 
qualified persons. In inserting the needle, care should 
always be taken not to inject the medicine into veins 
or arteries, nor to puncture delicate structures. 



Applying Medicines 135 

External Medication. — Medicines are frequently ap- 
plied by rubbing them on the skin, in the form of 
lotions, liniments, ointments or salves. Applications 
are also made in the form of poultices and fomenta- 
tions. Lotions are medicines in solution, that are use- 
ful for their healing, cooling or soothing effects to 
the part to which they are applied. Liniments are 
solutions usually containing some irritating substance, 
such as turpentine or ammonia. They are often mixed 
with oil, and are applied to a part by rubbing them in. 
If they are applied too frequently and with considerable 
friction, they may blister the part, especially if the part 
is covered by a bandage to prevent evaporation. Lini- 
ments should never be applied to fresh wounds nor 
sores, nor to parts badly inflamed, as they are very likely 
to increase the irritation of the part and to cause con- 
siderable pain. They are useful in chronic cases of in- 
flammation when a mild counter- irritation is desirable. 
Ointments are medicines mixed with a fatty or waxy 
substance, and are usually applied externally to soften, 
soothe and heal inflamed parts. If they contain irrita- 
ting substances they are usually called blisters. Poultices 
are soft, moist substances applied to soften and soothe 
the part and to relax the tissues. They are usually applied 
as hot as can be comfortablj' borne and are changed 
frequently. It is not a good plan to continue the use 
of poultices very long, as the tissues become soft, flabby 
and debilitated. Poultices are very useful in severe in- 
flammation to relieve the pain and soothe the part. In 
old chronic sores they soften the tissue, allay the irrita- 
tion and hasten recovery. They should seldom be kept 



136 The Care of Animals 

on more than forty - eight hours continuously, and 
should be changed several times during this period. 
Poultices are usually made of flaxseed meal, bran, bread 
and milk, spent hops, mashed boiled turnips, or other 
clean, soft substances that will retain heat and mois- 
ture. They may be applied by binding them on the 
part directly, or by putting them in a bag of thin cloth. 
Pulverized charcoal, or a teaspoonful of carbolic acid 
to a pint of poultice, is excellent to keep the substance 
clean and "sweet." For fomentations, see page 142. 

ENEMAS 

Enemas, or clysters, are injections of warm water into 
the rectum. They may be medicated or not. They are 
given for the purpose of emptying the bowels and 
stimulating their movements. In some cases they are 
also given to remove or destroy worms that may be in 
the rectum. Six to eight quarts of warm water is 
usually a sufficient quantity for an adult 
horse. If the water is slightly soapy, its 
action is increased; a half-teacupful of 
pure glycerine added to the water is excel- 
lent. Enemas are best given by means of 
a hose with a smooth nozzle attached to 
a small force-pump. In the absence of a 
force-pump, a tin funnel inserted in a 
small piece of hose about 
three feet long answers 
very well; one end of the 

Fig. 32. Apparatus for giving injections hoSC is inserted iuto the 




Medicines for Animals 137 

rectum, the other end containing the funnel is held 
above, and the fluid poured in, the force of gravity 
carrying it into the bowels. Fig. 32. Enemas should 
be given slowly, and the animal allowed to retain 
them for a short time. The nozzle of the hose should 
be oiled or soaped before it is inserted, so as not to 
injure the mucous coat of the rectum. 

DOSES OF MEDICINE 

The amount of medicine given at one time is called a 
"dose." It may vary, not only wdth the size, age and 
temperament of the animal, but also in the different dis- 
eases and according to the way in which the medicine is 
given. In general, a horse will take eight to ten times 
as much medicine as a man, and cattle take one -third 
more than horses. Animals of a nervous tempera- 
ment require less medicine than the slow, easy-going 
phlegmatic ones. The size of the animal, also, plays 
an important part in the amount given. Young 
animals require less medicine than older ones of the 
same size. 

Medicines for animals should be of good quality. In 
order to get a quick result from them thej' should be as 
finely divided as possible, in the form of powders or in 
solution. If kept any length of time, they should be 
protected from evaporation by corking or tight boxes. 
Some medicines lose their strength, while others be- 
come stronger. A small cupboard that can be locked 
is an excellent place in wdiich to keep medicines. All 
medicines should be plainly labeled. 



138 The Cave of Animals 

COUNTER - IRRITANTS 

The term counter-irritant is given to a class of 
medicines that are applied externally for the purpose of 
setting- up a local and artificial inflammation in order to 
cure a disease or injury. It is a very old treatment and 
is very frequently used in veterinary practice. Among 
the counter-irritants that are commonly employed are 
liniments, hand-rubbing, blisters, seatons or "rowels," 
and burning with a hot iron or "firing." 

Counter-irritants are used especially in chronic or 
long- continued conditions. They should never be ap- 
plied to a part when it is acutely inflamed. The in- 
flammation should first be reduced by fomentations 
of hot or cold water; when the acute inflammation 
has subsided, if the disease still continues, counter-irri- 
tants should be used. A mild form of counter -irrita- 
tion is hand-rubbing, or hand-rubbing in combination 
with liniments. The virtues of most liniments are 
increased by thorough and vigorous rubbing. As soon 
as the part begins to get sore, or tender, withhold the 
liniment and rubbing for a few days and then re -apply. 

Seatons. — A seaton is a foreign body, usually a piece 
of string or tape, inserted beneath the skin over the 
diseased part. It is inserted by means of a seaton 
needle, and the two ends of the string are tied together 
to keep it from coming out. The skin below the seaton 
should be well greased with fresh lard or vaseline, to 
prevent its being scalded by the pus which is dis- 
charged. The seaton should be shifted about every 
day and washed clean. Sometimes medicinal substances 



Sfafons and Blisters 139 

are applied with a seaton, Seatons are used when a mild, 
but long-continued counter-irritant is wanted. 

Blisters. — The two substances commonly used for 
blisters are pulverized Spanish flies (Cantharides) and 
the biniodid of mercury. The former makes what is 
commonly known as a "fly-blister." The latter, from 
its color, is commonly called a "red-blister." These 
blisters are made by thoroughly mixing one part bj" 
weight of the drug and eight parts of fresh lard or 
vaseline. Both of these blisters are poisonous, and 
should be cared for accordingly. If it is desired to 
remove bunches, especially bouy bunches, the red-blister 
is commonly preferred ; for ordinary purposes, the fly- 
blister is used. Neither kind should be applied to a 
raw surface or over a very large area, for it may be 
absorbed and prove injurious to the animal. 

The hair should first be clipped from the area, 
after which the blister is rubbed in with the fingers 
from three to ten minutes, depending on how severe 
an irritation is desired. In most cases, a light blister 
repeated is more effective and more satisfactory than 
a single severe one. Horses with thick skin re- 
quire the blister to be rubbed in longer than thin- 
skinned, nervous ones. The blister should be left on 
from twenty -four to thirty -six hours, or until a watery, 
gummy fluid exudes from the skin and sticks the hair 
together. Then the area should be thoroughly v/ashed 
with warm w^ater and soap, wiped dry and greased 
with fresh lard or vaseline. 

If the blister is applied to the hind legs, or to any 
place which the horse can switch, the tail should be se- 



140 The Care of Animals 

curely tied in a knot. Otherwise, the horse, getting the 
blister on the tail and then switching other parts, may 
cause a blister wherever the skin is thin. The horse's 
head should also be tied so that he is unable to reach 
the blistered part with his nose, or there will be a 
larger blister on his nose than on the original part. It 
is a good plan to tie a horse so short that he cannot lie 
down while the blister is retained. In the course of three 
or four weeks the part may be treated again, if necessary, 
but the second blister should be very light, as the part 
is tender and the drug acts quickly. When a part is 
blistered too severel}' the tissues may be destroyed and 
slough out, leaving a bad sore and finally a scar; or 
the roots of the hair may be destroyed, or the hair in- 
jured so as to cause it to turn white. The two front 
or the tw^o hind legs should not be blistered at the 
same time. In rare cases a blister irritates a horse and 
causes intense suffering soon after it is put on. It 
should be washed off at once, the part greased and, if 
necessary, laudanum given internalh^ To an adult 
horse, ounce doses of laudanum can be given every 
three hours until he is quiet. 

Fly - blister applied over a large area sometimes 
causes severe irritation of the kidneys, with painful 
passage of the urine. Should such symptons appear, 
the blister must be washed off at once, the part greased, 
and the horse given gruels and other mucilaginous 
drinks, combined with laudanum in half- ounce doses to 
soothe the irritated parts. When it is necessary to 
apply an irritant over a large surface, — as in inflamma- 
tion of the lungs, pleurisy, and some bowel troubles, — 



Blistering and Firing 



141 



I 



a mustard plaster should be used. Finely ground 
mustard, stirred up with tepid water into a thin paste, 
should be applied over the desired area by rubbing it 
well into the roots of the hair with a case-knife or thin 
wooden stick. When it is desired to remove the 
mustard plaster, it should be very carefully scraped 
off with a curry-comb. 

Firing. — "Firing" is burning the skin with a red-hot 
iron, called a "firing-iron." Fig. 33. Tiie irons can 
be heated at a forge or at a brisk fire in 
a cooking stove. Excellent instruments 
are now in use with the irons kept at 
white heat by gasolene vapor. Firing is 
used particularly upon the legs when 
severe counter -irritation is required, es- 
pecially in ring-bones, spavins and in- 
jured tendons. The hair is clipped from 
the area. The horse is confined, by tak- 
ing up the opposite foot so that he is com- 
pelled to stand on the one it is desired to 
fire. A blindfold is placed over the eyes, 
and a twist is applied to the nose. 

There are two general methods of firing. One 
consists in making a series of parallel lines. This is 
known as "feather -firing" or "line-firing." The second 
form consists in using a pointed iron and burning 
a number of points in the skin over the affected 
area, sometimes puncturing the skin. This method 
is known as "puncture -firing." Frequently the two 
methods are combined, and after the feather-firing 
a few punctures are made over the most -diseased 



p 



I I 



^* 



Fig. 33. 
Firing irons 



142 The Care of Animals 

part. It is thought that puncturing sets up a deeper 
inflammation. 

After the horse is confined, the operator makes a 
series of parallel lines or punctures about three -fourths 
of an inch apart over the affected area. In line -firing, 
the lines usually run obliquely on the legs, so that the 
marks will not show as plainly after recovery as they 
would if running vertically or horizontally. At first, 
the operator barely touches the skin with the firing- 
iron, marking out his work; later the lines are burned 
to a good russet brown bj' drawing the hot firing - 
iron through the former lines. In feather-firing, the 
lines should not cut through the skin. After firing, 
a flj^-blister should be rubbed on the fired area, and the 
case treated as an ordinar}^ case of blistering. After 
firing, the horse should be given plenty of time for rest 
and recovery. "Fire, blister and turn out to grass," is 
a common expression among horsemen. 

FOMENTATIONS 

Fomentations are applications of hot or cold water 
to a part. The application is usnally from twenty 
minutes to half an hour. The water may be applied 
as hot as can be comforta})ly borne, and the tempera- 
ture can be kept up by adding hot water frequently. 
The water can be applied to the part with sponges, 
cloths, or even with the hands, while, at the same time, 
the part is gently rubbed. Fomentations should be 
applied two or three times daily. They are much used 
to lessen acute inflammation, pain and swelling of 




Fig. ;i4. 



uliuy ill the soaking -tub 



]44 The Care of Animals 

recent injuries, or for any badly irritated part. They are 
used with good results in inflammation of the udder. 

Cold water is also excellent to relieve inflammation, 
especially when the part is badly congested. It can be 
applied with cold, wet cloths, or by irrigating the part — 
that is, allowing cold water to drip upon it. In some 
cases, applying cold water with considerable force, as a 
stream from a hose nozzle, for a few moments, and then 
rubbing briskly, has an excellent effect in toning up de- 
bilitated parts and relieving congestion. Cold is often 
applied to a feverish part by using a bag of cracked ice. 

THE SOAKING TUB 

A soaking -tub is made by cutting off about one foot 
from one end of a stout barrel. Fig. 34. This can be 
placed in the stall and filled with water, either hot or 
cold. The horse is made to stand in this with his front 
feet. Soaking -tubs are excellent, especially in cases 
when the hoofs are dry and hard and there is consider- 
able inflammation of the feet. Twice daily the horse 
should be allowed to stand in the tub for an hour. The 
feet should be wiped dry and afterward oiled, or some 
good hoof dressing applied. Soaking -tubs are excellent if 
they are used judiciously, but excessive use is injurious. 

CONFINING OR RESTRAINING ANIMALS 

i^nimals can be confined in various ways for surgical 
operations and for other purposes. Horses are put 
into stocks, or on operating tables built for the pur- 



Restraining an Animal 145 

pose. For small operations, one of the best methods 
of restraining a horse is by means of a "twist." Fig. 
35. This is made by tying a loop of small rope, such 
as sash cord, through a hole in the end of a stick. The 
loop should be about eight inches long and the stick, ac- 
cording to convenience, from one to five feet long. The 
long stick allows the person holding the twist 
to stand far enough from the horse to avoid 
being struck by the fore feet. The loop of 
rope should be slipped over the upper lip and 
the handle twisted until the horse's attention 
is attracted from the operator and his work. 
A twist should not be used more frequently, 
nor tighter, than is necessary; for the horse's 
lip is very sensitive, and one should always 
avoid giving unnecessary pain. To prevent in- 
jury to the operator or his assistants, it is fre- 
quently a good plan to blindfold the horse, 
by covering the eyes with folds of cloth. This 
can be fastened to the bridle or to the halter ^ 
head to keep it in place. TwfstTor 

Another method of confining the horse is confining 
by taking up one of his feet and compelling ^*^^^^^ 
him to stand on three legs. If an assistant holds the 
foot he should not allow the horse to rest too much 
weight upon him, for it gives the animal a chance to 
kick. The best method for a fore leg is to place a 
loop below the fetlock, bend the leg at the knee and 
strap the foot to the horse's arm. To take up a hind 
leg, one end of a long rope is placed below the fetlock, 
the other end being passed forward and fastened to 



146 



The Care of Animals 



the collar about the animal's neck, or held by an 
assistant. 

For an important surgical operation, horses are 
usually thrown, by the use of either side-lines or hob- 
bles. Fig. 36. The side-line method consists in attach- 
ing long ropes below the fetlocks on both hind legs, 



i-akl^illl 


%M^ 




WL--^.:^ ' ^^^H^H^^mB^^^^^BfiiflH 


Im^ 


m -"•—•■ w ^ ■ X -' ■ 


nma 


L : . . ' .. ' 


^M 



Fig. 36. Throwing a horse by means of side-lines 

running the ropes forward to a collar and, by exerting 
force on the ropes, drawing the animal's hind legs for- 
ward and upward and retaining them in that position. 
Special throwing harnesses are made for this purpose. 
Lacking these, one may use a piece of three -fourths inch 
rope forty feet long, doubled at the center aud tied to 
make a loop at that point about two feet long. This 
loop can be slipped over the horse's head, in the form 



Tlir owing a Horse 1-47 

of a collar, the knot coming at the top of the neck. 
The ropes are then brought down one on either side of 
the horse, each passed under the fetlock joint of a hind 
leg, and the end run forward through the collar. As- 
sistants, by taking hold of these ropes while the horse 
is backed, can draw his legs well forward and up on 
his sides. When the horse is down the feet can be 
tied in this position with the rope. 

The hobble method consists in putting a strap or 
hobble around each leg just below the fetlock joint. A 
rope or a chain is then passed through a ring in each 
hobble and all four feet are drawn together in a 
bunch, causing the horse to lose his balance and fall. 
This method should be used on all horses over nine or 
ten years of age. as by the use of side-lines they are 
likely to injure their backs by struggling. The back- 
bone of a horse grows stiff with age. and is likely to be 
broken by bending or severe exertion. The side-line 
method is excellent for throwing young horses, es- 
pecially for castrating, as the hind legs are drawn well 
forward and out of the way. 

A third method of throwing the horse, consists in 
taking up one fore leg, usually the right, or "off"' one. 
by a strap, which is passed either over the animal's 
back, or under his belly, and held by the operator, who 
stands by the left ("nigh") fore shoulder. The opera- 
tor holds up the foot with the right hand, at the same 
time drawing the horse's head around toward the left 
and pushing against its left shoulder. This throws the 
horse on his right side. At once the operator should 
get on the side of his neck, close to the horse's head. 



148 The Care of Animals 

This keeps him down, for horses get up on their fore 
legs first, and it is necessary for them to throw their 
heads upward in order to get their balance. 

In throwing horses, a spot of level greensward 
should be selected, or the floor or ground be well 
covered with straw, to avoid injurj^ as the animal goes 
down. It is a good plan to place a folded blanket 
under the horse's head, to prevent injury to him while 
down. In working about horses, an operator is liable 
to be hurt, either by the animal's kicking, biting, or 
striking with the fore foot. The safest place by a 
horse when he is standing is close to the left shoulder, 
as the horse is unable to kick or strike a person there, 
and the head can be kept away by holding with the 
right hand. A person should stay close to a horse, 
or else keep quite out of his reach. A medium dis- 
tance is dangerous ground. 

In throwing good- sized cattle, the animal is con- 
fined by the head, one end of a small one -fourth 
inch thirty -foot rope is tied to the horns, a half -hitch 
taken about the animal's body just back of the fore 
legs and another just in front of the hind legs; then, by 
having the half -hitches tight and pulling on the end 
of the rope sharply, the animal will go down. Fig. 37. 
It can be kept down by drawing the tail through be- 
tween the hind legs and by holding it forward and up- 
ward. This keeps the animal from getting up, for 
cattle always get up on their hind legs first. 

Hogs can be restrained by slipping a noose of small 
rope on the upper jaw just back of the " tusks. '^ 
This will confine the head, when the animal can be 



Throwing a Bull 



149 



thrown and the legs tied as the case demands. Dogs 
should always have their mouths tied tightly shut by 
using a strip of stout cloth, two inches wide, and tying 
it about the muzzle; the ends can then be brought 
around and tied behind the animal's head to keep him 
from scratching the muzzle off. 




Fig. ;]7. The half-hitch metliod of throwing a bull 



ANESTHETICS 



For all surgical operations when an animal will be 
subjected to great pain, anesthetics should be used 
wherever practicable. Horses take chloroform well, but 
dogs do not and are very likely to die from its effects 
unless great care is used when it is administered. For 



150 The Care of Animals 

dogs, ether should always be used. In giving anes- 
thetics to animals, a person familiar with their use 
should be employed,. For small surgical operations, a 
five per cent solution of cocaine, injected by a syringe, 
destroys all sensation in the part during the operation. 

DISINFECTION 

Disinfecting consists in destroying the germs or 
virus of a disease. Whenever an animal has been 
suffering from a contagious disease, it is necessary 
to disinfect the quarters and all utensils, instru- 
ments, harness and equipment that may have become 
infected. Stables are disinfected by first removing 
and burning all litter, rubbish and other loose ma- 
terial of little value. Next, the walls, floors, ceilings, 
mangers, pails, etc., should be thoroughly scrubbed 
with a five per cent solution of carbolic acid, — that is, 
one part of pure carbolic acid to twenty parts of water. 
When this has dried, the walls and mangers can be 
painted or whitewashed. Harness and halters can be 
boiled vigorously for three-quarters of an hour. Cor- 
rosive sublimate, or bichlorid of mercury, one part to 
one thousand parts of water, can be employed in the 
place of the carbolic acid solution, but should not be 
used on metal as it is very corroding. One part of 
creolin or similar coal-tar product to fifty parts of 
water is also a good disinfectant and is not poisonous. 
Care should be taken that carbolic acid and corrosive 
sublimate do not get on any food which the animals 
may eat. Bright sunlight is an excellent disinfectant, 



Disinfection and Antiseptics 151 

and should be admitted into all suspicious places. 
All infected materials, and especially bodies of animals 
that have died from disease, should either be burned or 
buried deep to prevent further infection. Dogs, crows 
and other animals frequently dig up and carry oif 
parts of carcasses. Infectious material is often carried 
by streams of water, by infected stock-cars, or by litter 
which may have been in stock-cars. 

ANTISEPTICS 

Antiseptics, commonly called healing remedies, are 
substances applied to wounds or sores to assist in the 
healing process. They are used in solutions, or mixed 
with some fatty substance, as an ointment, or they may 
be dusted on in the form of a powder. Antiseptics 
possess no true healing properties; the healing process 
can be accomplished only by the living cells of the 
tissues. They only destroy or prevent the growth of 
germs. Bacteria, which gain entrance to sores and 
wounds, by growing and multiplying irritate the 
wound, injure and destroy the living cells of the animal 
tissue, and often form poisons that may be taken up 
by the blood and cause serious injury or death from 
blood-poisoning. If it were not for bacteria, no 
wound would be fatal, unless some vital organ were 
mechanically crippled; all wounds would heal with- 
out complications. In ordinary veterinary practice, 
wounds, abscesses and sores afford ideal conditions 
for the growth of bacteria, and unless carefully 
treated are swarming with them. It is to destroy these 



152 Tlif Care of Animals 

germs that hinder the healing process that antiseptics 
are used. 

Practically all antiseptics are poisonous if used in 
concentrated form, and if applied pure would burn and 
destroy the tissues; hence, in practice, it is necessary to 
use them in such a strength that they will destroy the 
bacteria without injuring the living cells of the body. 
Antiseptics are usually applied in solution to wounds, — 
as medicine in this form more certainly penetrates to all 
parts of the wound; and in deep wounds it is often the 
only way antiseptics can be applied, and then only by 
means of a syringe. When antiseptics are used in solu- 
tions their strength is easily estimated, and the medicine 
readily and uniformly distributed. Sometimes antisep- 
tics possess other properties than as germicides. 

In addition to the methods of application above de- 
scribed, antiseptics are applied by saturating cotton, 
gauze or similar material, and placing it either in or 
on the wound. In general, it is more satisfactory to 
use weak antiseptics freely and frequently without dis- 
turbing the wound. If they do not prove satisfactory, 
the strength of the antiseptic may be increased. 

Corrosive sublimate, or bichlorid of mercury, comes 
in the form of tablets, with directions for the amount 
of water in which they are to be dissolved. The great- 
est objection to it is its corrosive action on metals. It 
should be kept in glass or earthen vessels. As corrosive 
sublimate is a powerful poison, it should always be 
plainly labeled and kept in a place secure from children 
and others not familiar with its properties and uses. 
It is ordinarily used in the strength of one part of 



Antiseptics 153 

bichlorid of mercury, by weight, to one thousand parts 
of water for external application. 

Carbolic acid probably ranks next to bichlorid of 
mercury in frequency of use as an antiseptic. It is 
dissolved in water and used in the strength of two 
and one -half to five per cent; one part of acid to forty 
parts of water is the strength ordinarily used for the 
treatment of wounds on animals. For a strong anti- 
septic or disinfectant, one part of acid is added to 
twenty parts of water, making a five per cent solution. 
Pure carbolic acid is a caustic and will destroy tissues 
by burning. Carbolic acid is poisonous. 

Copper sulfate, commonly called bluestone or blue 
vitriol, is an excellent antiseptic and possesses as- 
tringent properties as well, — tliat is, it tends to pucker 
the tissues. It can be used in solution, in the strength 
of from two to four drams in a pint of water. For 
certain purposes it can be made much stronger. Copper 
sulfate, finel}^ pulverized and dusted on a wound, is a 
mild caustic; a crystal of it rubbed on a surface acts 
as a caustic and is useful to check bleeding. An 
ointment that is useful in treating old sores can be 
made by mixing one part of finely pulverized copper 
sulfate and one part of sulfur with four parts of fresh 
lard or vaseline. Sulfate of copper is the basic material 
used in the making of Bordeaux mixture, so much 
used by farmers as a spraying material. 

Zinc sulfate, commonly called white vitriol, is an 
astringent and antiseptic, and is used in the strength of 
one part of zinc sulfate in thirty to sixty parts of 
water, or two to four drams to a pint of water. 



154 The Care of Animals 

Six drams of sulfate of zinc and one ounce of 
acetate of lead, dissolved in a quart of water, is an ex- 
cellent antiseptic and astringent, and is extensively used 
in veterinary practice as "white lotion." It should be 
well shaken before using. It is poisonous when taken 
internally. An excellent antiseptic ointment for use 
on sores or irritated conditions of the skin is made by 
combining one part of zinc oxid with about five parts 
of fresh lard or vaseline. 

These antiseptics, as already said, possess secondary 
properties, some are astringent and pucker the tissues, 
often stopping hemorrhages or drying up discharges. 
Antiseptics applied in the form of oiutments are often 
nsed on wounds and sores when the part is hard, dry 
and irritated; the fat in contact with the antiseptic 
seems to soften and soothe the part. In the powdered 
form, dusted over the surface of a wound or sore, anti- 
septics are valuable in drying up discharges and keep- 
ing the sores dry and free from odor. 

Antiseptics are sometimes mixed with some sticky 
substance, such as pitch or tar, and may be valuable 
in keeping dirt out of a wound; but care must be 
taken that such applications do not prevent the free 
escape of pus. 

Of the powdered antiseptics, iodiform is extensively 
used for dusting on wounds or sores ; the objections 
are its odor and expense. Pulverized boric acid is an- 
other good antiseptic that is used in this way. It is 
also used in a solution of twenty grains of acid to one 
ounce of water, and makes an excellent wash for the 
eye, for the mouth or other cavities, as it is practically 



Antiseptics 155 

uou- poisonous, Finely pulverized, air -slaked lime is 
extensively used for dusting on sores, harness - galls 
and suppurating surfaces, and gives admirable results. 
Common salt is also used as an antiseptic in the 
strength of five to ten per cent by weight, dissolved in 
water. Creolin is a good and popular antiseptic and 
deodorizer; it is mixed with water combined in the 
strength of one to two per cent. 

Not all antiseptics work equally well on all wounds. 
Sometimes a certain antiseptic will give excellent re- 
sults, and on an apparentl3^ similar wound does not do 
as well. In such cases it is well to cease and to try some 
other. It is better to become familiar with one or two 
good antiseptics than to dabble with a great variety 
with which one is not familiar. 



CHAPTER VIII 

SURGICAL CASES 

For convenience to the stockman and horseman, 
it may be well to bring together in one chapter the 
various diseases and practices that demand more or 
less of surgical treatment. These subjects are of three 
rather distinct categories: mere wounds; diseases and 
malformations; practices (as caponizing and dehorn- 
ing) that are dictated by the desire of the owner. 

INFLAMMATION 

It is first necessary to discuss the general subject 
of inflammation, since an understanding of it is essen- 
tial to all good surgical work. 

Inflammation is a curative process employed by 
nature to repair injuries or to overcome disease. It 
is always the result of irritation of some kind, the 
bruising of the cells, or the presence of foreign bodies, 
as germs, or other irritating substances in the living 
tissues. The process of inflammation is nature's means 
of fighting the irritant. In many cases, the cause of 
the inflammation is easily recognizable, in others it is 
obscure. Inflammation occurs in either an acute or a 
chronic form. In the former, all the symptoms are 
well marked; in the latter, the symptoms are not so 

(156) 



Inflammation 157 

prominent, and this form is often more difficult to 
deal with. 

One of the first signs of inflammation is redness of 
the part. This is particularly noticeable in animals 
having a white skin. The color is caused by dilation of 
the blood-vessels, which allows an increased flow of 
blood to the part. This condition is commonly known 
as "congestion." Care must be taken not to confound 
this active congestion with the settling of blood in 
dependent parts at death (hypostatic congestion). In 
making examinations after death, one frequently finds 
the lung on the lower side of the body gorged with 
blood, a result of gravity. (See page 120). Congestion 
may occur without inflammation ; but congestion always 
attends acute inflammation as one of its s^-mptoms. 

Another symptom of inflammation is increased 
heat. This can usually be discovered by appljdng 
the hand to the part. In case the inflammation is 
severe or extensive, or affects an important organ 
of the body, the increased temperature may involve 
the whole body, causing what is generally known 
as a "fever." Other symptoms of inflammation are 
swelling and pain. The pain is usually indicated by 
the uneasiness of the animal, or by its "resting" or 
taking all weight and strain from the part. Manipu- 
lation may increase the pain to such an extent that 
its seat is easily and definitely located. 

The thing to be done in treating inflammation is to 
remove the cause or irritant, as soon as this can be 
determined. In many cases this is all that is necessary. 
If the inflammation is severe and causes much pain, 



158 The Care of Animals 

applications of hot water often give considerable relief 
by softening and soothing the tissues. Such applica- 
tions should be continued for a half hour and applied 
three or four times dail3^ Poultices applied to the 
part are also advisable, but they should not be continued 
until the part becomes soft and debilitated. Cold 
water is also excellent to relieve irritation, especially 
w^hen there is much heat in the part. The cold applica- 
tions should be continued for a considerable time. 

Inflammation may terminate in several waj^s. It 
may gradually subside and the part return to its normal 
condition; two parts may adhere or grow together; 
I)us or "matter" may form, this condition being known 
as suppuration. Another termination is "mortification," 
the affected tissues dying and sloughing away, pro- 
viding the animal lives. 

In some diseases, it is frequently necessary, in order 
to effect a cure, that inflammation be set up artificially. 
This is usually accomplished by applying some irritant 
to the surface over the diseased part. Such treatment 
has been described in an earlier chapter (Chapter VII), 
and includes burning the part with a hot iron, or 
"firing," rubbing on some irritating substance in the 
form of a blister or liniment, or placing a foreign body 
in the tissues in the form of a seaton. 

V\^OUNDS 

Wounds are recent breaks in living tissue and are 
usually caused by violence, such as kicks, blows, or 
external contact with foreign bodies. In rare cases 



Wounds 159 

they may be caused by violent internal muscular ex- 
ertion. They are classified according to their nature. 
Clean-cut, or incised wounds, are such as would be 
made with a knife. Other things being equal, incised 
wounds are the easiest to treat. Lacerated, or torn, 
wounds are usually made by barbed wire. Contused 
wounds are those in which the parts are bruised, 
as well as cut. These wounds are serious, for if the 
tissues are badly bruised there may be considerable 
sloughing of the injured parts, leaving a large sore. 
Punctured wounds are made by more or less pointed 
bodies penetrating the flesh. Considering their size, 
punctured wounds are the most serious. They are 
likely to be deep, and to injure vital parts, or the 
foreign body that caused the wound is liable to break 
off and a part of it to be left in the tissues. It is 
difficult to reach the deeper parts of punctured wounds 
to clear them of foreign substances and to treat them 
satisfactorily. Gunshot and poisoned wounds are some- 
times classified with punctured wounds, but they are so 
rare that they do not need special consideration here. 

Treatment of Wounds 

The first step in the treatment of wounds is to stop 
hemorrhage, or excessive flow of blood. While a hemor- 
rhage is seldom dangerous unless a large artery or vein 
is cut, yet it is best to stop it at once. Bleeding from 
an artery is more serious than from a vein. Arteries 
carry blood from the heart to the different parts of the 
body, while veins gather the blood and carry it back to 



160 The Care of Animals 

the heart again. Arteries have thick elastic walls, that 
throb with the beating of the heart, and the blood is 
always under considerable pressure. If an artery is cut 
the blood is bright scarlet in color and flows with force, 
coming in a full spinning stream. If a vein is cut 
the blood is dark in color and simply wells out of the 
wound with no force. In stopping a severe hemor- 
rhage, it is necessary to know whether an artery or 
a vein is severed. If an artery, the end of the blood- 
vessel toward the heart must be treated, as the blood 
comes from the heart. If a vein is cut, the end of 
the blood-vessel away from the heart must be treated, 
as the blood is flowing from the extremity toward the 
heart. If the hemorrhage is from a large blood-vessel, 
the best way to stop it is 'to find the cut end of the 
vessel and ligate, or tie it. This can be done by get- 
ting hold of the cut end with the fingers, pulling the 
blood-vessel out a little and tying it tightly with silk 
or linen thread or any other that can be obtained, 
provided it is clean. The thread should be tied with 
a "surgeon's knot," as this does not slip. Fig, 38. 
Another practicable method of stop- 
ping hemorrhage from large blood- 
vessels is to sear with a hot iron; 
but this is severe treatment, and 
should be used onlv when abso- 

Fig. 38. Surgeon's knot. , , , t/ £ ^^ 

lutely necessary. If carefully ap- 
plied to the blood-vessel itself, however, there is com- 
paratively little pain and the treatment is effective. 

For ordinary, and even for severe wounds, nature 
has an admirable way of stopping hemorrhage. The 




stopping Hemorrhage 161 

blood-vessels contract and the blood collecting in the 
wound coagulates, forming a clot, which effectually 
checks the flow. In ordinary wounds the treatment 
is to hasten the formation of a clot. This can be 
done by bringing the edges of the wound together and 
binding them there. Any finely divided substance 
applied to the wound serves to gather and hold the 
blood, and so hastens clotting. Absorbent cotton is 
excellent. Cobwebs should not be used on account of 
the large amount of dirt and germs which they con- 
tain. Finely powdered substances also stop hemor- 
rhage, but they should be clean and not irritating to 
the wound. Ordinary flour is good. So is a mild 
astringent solution, as of alum or tincture of chlorid 
of iron, just enough of the drug being used to make 
the solution "puckery" to the tongue. Cold water 
applied to a wound will also check bleeding. The 
astringent solutions are especially useful when there 
is oozing of blood from a large surface. After the 
hemorrhage is checked, the wound should be carefully 
cleansed and all foreign bodies removed, such as sticks, 
nails, etc. ; the wound will not heal with these present. 
Extra care in this particular should be exercised in 
punctured wounds. 

Barb -wire cuts occur most frequentl}^ about the legs 
or just above the feet in places where it is often im- 
possible to stitch up the wound. In many instances it is 
difficult to tie the cut blood-vessels; in such cases, the 
best treatment is to take clean soft rags, or, better, 
absorbent cotton, and bind on firmly over the cut ; if 
plenty of material is used a clot will soon form and 



162 The Care of Animals 

the bleeding will be checked. In the course of five or 
six hours the bandage may be carefully removed, the 
parts cleansed, antiseptics applied and the torn tissues 
brought as nearly together as possible by the use of 
bandages, or sutures. The after-treatment is the same 
as for an ordinary wound. 

The hair about the edge of a wound should be care- 
fully clipped, so that it will not get into ^ the wound 
and irritate it. After cleansing, apply to the wound 
some good antiseptic or healing lotion or powder. 
Among those commonly used are corrosive sublimate, 
one part dissolved in one thousand parts of water, 
carbolic acid, one part to thirty parts of water. White 
lotion is excellent. Among powdered antiseptics, 
acetanilid finely pulverized, or iodoform dusted on the 
surface, are excellent. 

The next operation is to bring the lips of the wound 
together and to keep them there. If the wound is large 
the only practicable way, in treating animals, is to stitch 

the edges together. For 

Fig. 39. Surgeon's needle. y^ ,-i ■ j 

^^ this purpose a surgeon's 




needle having cutting 
edges is necessary. Fig. 
39. A poor substitute for it can be made by grinding a 
small darning-needle to a triangular form. It is prac- 
tically impossible to push the ordinary type of sewing 
needle through the thick skin of the larger animals. A 
good-sized, half-curved surgeon's needle, which costs 
but a few cents, should be kept on every stock farm 
where a veterinarian is not at hand. For sewing, silk is 
best. The coarser embroidery silks are good, but braided 



Seicing Up Wounds 163 

silk is better. For some purposes catgut is preferable 
to silk. Heavy linen thread, doubled, is excellent. In 
the absence of all these, ordinary cotton wrapping 
twine can be used, but when there is much strain on 
the stitches this is likely to part. 

Fresh wounds are not sensitive, and can be manip- 
ulated without giving pain. In sewing up a wound, 
the sticking of the needle through the skin often causes 
some pain, and proper precautions should be taken to 
confine the animal, so that it cannot injure the operator 
by kicking or striking, or, in dogs, bj- biting. Putting 
a twist on a horse and tying a dog's mouth tightly are 
usually sufficient precautions. 

In sewing up a wound care must be taken to have 
the parts brought together as nearly true as possible, 
so that the edges will not pucker. There should be a 
small opening left at the bottom for drainage, through 
which the pus, or matter, can escape. The best method 
for ordinary use is to pass the needle through both 
edges of the wound, drawing the thread just tight 
enough to bring the wound nicely together, and then 
tying with a hard knot. If the stitches are too tight the 
swelling that usually follows will cause them to tear. 
In large, deep wounds, the needle should be started well 
back from the wound and passed deeply through the 
tissues to hold them firmly together. In cases where 
there is danger of stitches tearing out from strain on 
the parts, it can be helped by tying each end of the 
thread to a round, smooth stick, the size of a pencil or 
smaller. This method takes the strain off the tissue. 
Care must be taken, in deep wounds, to prevent sowing 



164 The Care of Animals 

up the skin only, leaving a cavity to gather pus. After 
the wound is sewed, it should be thoroughly treated 
with antiseptics, either in solution or as a dry powder, 
and carefully protected from injury. Animals must 
be restrained from rubbing or biting an injured part. 
Antiseptics or healing substances merely destroy or stop 
the growth of bacteria or germs that interfere with the 
healing process of nature. If it were not for bacteria, 
all wounds would heal at once if the parts were brought 
together. Irritating or caustic substances should never 
be applied to fresh wounds. Nearly all antiseptics are 
poisonous, and should be diluted so that they will not 
injure the living tissues while still destroying the germs. 
Do not disturb a wound more than is necessary to keep 
it clean. Cleanliness is the secret of success in treating 
wounds. 

Wounds heal in several ways. One is by "first inten- 
tion." In this case, the parts brought and held together 
grow fast without the formation of pus or matter. 
This is the best method and is alwaj^s to be desired; 
but it is difficult to obtain in animals on account of 
the number of pus -producing bacteria present ' under 
ordinary conditions. 

The second method is by "granulation." In this, new 
tissue forms on each side of the wound and gradually 
fills in and unites the severed parts. When a wound 
granulates, there is a discharge of pus or matter, and 
care must be taken that this does not become excessive. 
Antiseptics should be used freely. In some cases the 
granulations become too luxuriant and form a slightly 
fungus -like growth, known as " proud flesh." This 



Healmg of Wounds 165 

must be destroyed by burning with a stick of lunar 
caustic. 

In another method of healing, the blood and juices 
collected in the wound form a protective coat, or scab, 
and healing takes place under this. The scab should 
never be removed unless pus or matter collects under it. 

In cases in which wounds heal by granulation or under 
a scab, new tissue fills in the gap of the wound and 
makes the scar, which is likely to remain as a perma- 
nent blemish. In wounds which have been sewed up 
and have done well, the stitches can be cut and removed 
in about four or five days, providing there is no strain 
on the tissues to pull them apart. In cases when the 
stitches become loosened thej" should be cut and re- 
placed by others that hold firmly, unless the wound has 
united, when they can be clipped and removed. 

It is frequently necessary to make wounds. They 
should be made quickly, to avoid giving the animal 
pain, and so far as possible the cut should be made 
parallel with the muscular fibers of the region. When 
muscular fibers are cut across, the wound tends to 
spread apart. Before such work is attempted, the ani- 
mal should be securely confined, so that it cannot hurt 
itself or the operator by biting, striking, kicking or 
struggling. 

DISEASES AND ABNORMAL GROWTHS 

Under this general head there are grouped, for con- 
venience' sake, diseases and difficulties that are due to 
many unlike causes. In all of them, however, the 



166 The Care of Animals 

curative treatment requires more or less cutting and 
removing^ of tissue. 

Abscesses 

These are commonly called "gatherings." They are 
accumulations of pus or "matter" in cavities within the 
tissues of the body. There are two varieties of abscesses, 
commonly known as "acute" and "cold." Acute ab- 
scesses form rapidly and are accompanied by marked 
inflammation, with heat, pain, redness and swelling. 
Cold abscesses are of a chronic nature ; they form 
gradually, without marked symptoms of- inflammation, 
until they are of considerable size. Abscesses are caused 
by some injury, or by the presence of bacteria, foreign 
bodies, or irritants within the tissues. 

As soon as the symptoms appear, one of two methods 
should be adopted. (1) In some cases it is a good plan 
to try to " scatter " the abscess by rubbing and by ap- 
plying remedies to absorb the fluid or pus. Rubbing 
with a stimulating liniment, or applying light blisters, 
is useful. Iodine, either as tincture or ointment, may 
be applied daily until the skin begins to get sore, and 
then be stopped for a few days. This treatment is 
useful in the removal of bunches and enlargements 
generally, but it should not be applied when there is 
acute inflammation in the part. (2) The other method, 
and usually the better one, is to hasten its formation, 
as an abscess is usually an effort of nature to rid the 
body of some injurious substance. Bathing the affected 
part with hot water and applying poultices to soften 
and soothe the tissues will assist materially in " drawings 



Abscesses 167 

the abscess to a "head." As soon as pus is detected in 
the tissues (this is indicated by a soft "plunky" feeling 
when the part is manipulated) the abscess should be 
opened. For this use a sharp -pointed knife, taking 
the blade firmly between the thumb and forefinger 
about the distance from the point that it will be neces- 
sary to insert the knife to reach the pus cavity. Insert 
the knife quickly at the lowest or most dependent part, 
in order to give free drainage to the pus. In making 
the incision, do not stand directly in front, as the pus 
often spurts some distance. The opening should be 
made large enough to allow the pus to escape freely, and 
the wound to be washed out and treated. Abscesses should 
always be thoroughly examined for foreign bodies, such 
as sticks, pieces of bone, etc., which, if found, should 
be removed. After emptjdng the cavity, wash it out 
thoroughly with warm water and use antiseptics freely. 
The incision should not be allowed to heal until the 
cavity has filled up from the bottom, or another abscess 
is likely to follow. The incision can be kept open by 
plugging with absorbent cotton or tow. The hair below 
a wound or an abscess should be kept well greased, in 
order to . prevent the discharges from irritating or 
scalding the skin. 

If an abscess is not opened, it will usually "break" 
and discharge of its own accord at last; but as the pus 
burrows into the tissues seeking an outlet, the early 
opening of the " pocket " greatly hastens ultimate 
recovery. In opening abscesses care must be taken 
not to cut by mistake into a hernia, or rupture, or into 
a joint or cavity containing synovial fluid or "joint 



168 The Care of Animals 

oil." If the abscess is in the vicinitj^ of large blood- 
vessels or important organs, suitable precautions should 
be taken to prevent injury to them. 

Fistulm 

A fistula is a running sore that sometimes results 
from a wound or abscess, and does not heal readily, but 
persists in discharging pus, often for long periods. 
Sometimes a foreign body in the tissues is the cause 
of the fistula, or a piece of denuded bone or diseased 
cartilage. In other cases the fistula is a tube or 
series of tubes, or a cavity lined with a smooth 
"false membrane" which must be destroyed before 
the part will heal. 

Poll- evil 

This disease, which partakes of the nature of a cold 
abscess as well as a fistula, occurs in horses on the top 
of the head or on the neck close to the head. A poll- 
evil is generally believed to be brought on by an injury, 
such as hitting the head against the ceiling, pulling 
on the halter, or by overcheck. In many cases it is 
difficult to assign the cause, but the disease is prob- 
ably caused by bacteria invading the tissues of 
that region. 

The first symptom of poll -evil is a rather firm, puffy 
swelling that occurs on the top, or on one or both 
sides of the top of the neck. There is usually little 
pain in the early stages, but later the increased pres- 
sure of the pus causes the horse some pain and he 



Poll-evil 169 

carries his head with the nose protruded to get relief. 
At first the poll -evil contains a yellowish waterj'^fluid. 
This fluid, which later becomes pus, often burrows 
between the muscles of the neck for considerable dis- 
tances, and, if no opening is made, it may finally break 
through and discharge some distance from the seat 
of the trouble. 

In the early stages, poll -evil can sometimes be 
"scattered" by the application of cold water, followed 
by thorough rubbing with a stimulating liniment, or 
by applications of iodine, either the tincture or as an 
ointment. These remedies may be applied until the 
skin begins to get sore, when they should be withheld 
for a few days. If the poll -evil is not scattered, it 
must be opened as soon as pus can be detected. A 
good-sized incision should be made as low as possible, 
to give free drainage. The false membrane can be 
dissected out with the knife or destroyed with a caustic. 
Chlorid or "butter" of antimony, applied by means 
of a swab to every portion of the lining membrane of 
the cavity or the tubes w^hich extend from it, is excellent. 
Other caustics used for this purpose are a small piece 
of lunar caustic placed in each cavity or tube, a small 
lump of blue vitriol, or absorbent cotton wet with a 
strong solution (one to one hundred) of corrosive sub- 
limate. After using the caustic, the fistula should be 
washed out once daily and a mild antiseptic used, such 
as corrosive sublimate (one part to a thousand of 
water), or one part carbolic acid to thirty parts of 
water. Showering the parts once daily with cold 
water from a hose is advisable. Pure tincture of iodine 



170 The Carp of Animals 

should be injected into the fistula about once in eight 
or ten days. Another good method of treatment is to 
use no water on the fistula after opening, but to swab 
out with dry absorbent cotton and inject pure tincture 
of iodine once daily. 

Other remedies that are sometimes used with good 
results are hydrogen peroxid, one part to two parts of 
water; this is useful for cleansing out all sores. Blue 
vitriol, or sulfate of copper, a heaping teaspoonful to 
a pint of water, is a good antiseptic. 

Fistulous Withers 

This disease, frequently called 'Hhistelow,'' is prac- 
tically the same condition as poll -evil, except that it 
occurs on the withers, or lower and back part of the 
top of the neck. The causes are believed to be the 
same, — bruises or injuries, allowing germs to invade the 
tissues. The treatment is the same except that here 
it is easier to secure good drainage. If possible, get an 
opening at the bottom and top or on both sides of the 
withers or neck. In some cases, when the healing 
process is slow, a seaton or tape passed through the 
fistula and left there gives excellent results. The 
seaton should be shifted to a clean place each day, the 
wound well washed, and antiseptics used. When the 
fistula is nearly filled up, the seaton should be removed. 

In fistulous withers, the spinous processes of the 
back -bone may become diseased, and it is necessary to 
cut them off before the sore will heal. It sometimes 
requires months to cure a bad case of this disease. 



Cancers and Tumors 171 

Cancer 

True cancers are not common to animals, although 
malignant sores are sometimes found that do not yield 
readily to the ordinary methods of treatment. When 
such sores occur, it is necessary to treat them according 
to their individual peculiarity as regards form, location 
and size. If feasible, it is usually the best plan to 
remove the diseased part by surgical means and to 
treat the case afterward as a simple wound. When 
this is not possible, the part may be poulticed for a 
day or two, then the diseased portion destroyed by 
means of a caustic, such as chlorid of antimony, applied 
with a swab, with after-treatment as for a simple 
wound. It is not a good plan to use strong caustics 
frequently on wounds, as the caustic destroys the ten- 
der healing tissue and often produces a dense, fibrous 
growth that is extremely difficult to remove or to heal. 

Tumors 

Tumors are abnormal growths of tissue. There are 
many kinds, usually named from the kind of tissue of 
which they are composed, as fibrous and fatty tumors. 
In white or gray horses there are often found melanotic 
tumors, composed of coloring matter, usually located in 
the skin in the region of the neck, urino- genital organs, 
or tail. Warts are tumors of the skin. Sore tumors, 
that tend to spread and do not yield to treatment, are 
known as malignant tumors. 

The true cause of the growth of most tumors is 
not known. Sometimes fibrous tumors are caused bv 



172 The Care of Animals 

irritation, such as repeated hitting of a part. Tumors 
sometimes follow surgical operations or wounds. Horses 
often have tumors in their noses. 

The only satisfactory treatment for tumors is to 
remove them. There are several methods of doing 
this ; the best one, for most tumors, and the only one 
for some, is to cut them out with a knife. Care should 
be taken to guard against hemorrhage, as the blood 
supply to some tumors is large. Another method 
that can be used to advantage when the growth has 
a small base is to tie a strong string — a waxed - 
end, fish line, or a rubber band wound several times 
— tightly around this stem, thus shutting off the 
blood supply. In a few days the tumor will slough 
off, and the resulting sore should be treated as a 
simple wound. Another method is to slough them off 
by using caustics. Arsenic or corrosive sublimate are 
commonly used, either singly or combined. A pellet of 
the caustic about the size of a small pea, wrapped 
in tissue-paper or muslin, is pushed into a small inci- 
sion made in the base of the tumor. Sometimes two 
or three pellets are placed in a large one. In a few 
days the tumor will begin to separate, and will finally 
slough off. The difficulty in using caustics is to confine 
their action to the diseased tissue. 

Shoe-hoil — Capped Mboiv 

A disease that partakes of the nature both of an 
abscess and a tumor is a capped elbow, or shoe-boil. 
It i'" situated on the elbow, and first appears as a soft, 



SJioe-boil 173 

flabby bag, which contains a little watery fluid. The 
cause of shoe -boils is irritation due to lying on the 
shoe, with the foot bent back ; hence, as soon as the 
first signs of it appear, the source of the irritation 
should be removed. This is not always easy. If the 
heels of the shoe are long they should be shortened, so 
that they will not protrude. The horse should be well 
bedded and a thick protecting pad placed on the pas- 
tern of the offending leg. Another excellent method 
of preventing a horse from lying on the heel of the 
shoe is to spike a piece of plank two by six inches 
across the stall, about a foot back of where the front 
feet usually stand. The corners of the two -by -six 
should be rounded and the whole well covered with 
bedding at night. This prevents the horse from doub- 
ling the fore foot back on the elbow when lying down, 
but does not inconvenience the animal. 

In the early stages of this disease, fomentations of 
hot water twice daily followed with a stimulating lini- 
ment well rubbed in will often bring relief. If the 
shoe -boil is large and filled with fluid, it should be 
opened at the most dependent part, the false membrane 
lining the cavity destroyed by swabbing the cavity out 
with butter of antimony, and the wound treated as 
a fistula. 

Another form of capped elbow is a fibrous tumor, 
which usually occurs where a soft shoe -boil breaks and 
is neglected, or when the cause of the shoe -boil is 
not entirely removed. The best treatment is to remove 
the fibrous bunches with the knife and to treat after- 
ward as a simple wound. 



174 The Care of Animals 

When there is a small flabby bunch on a horse's elbow, 
removing the fibrous contents will prevent a shoe -boil. 

Capped Hock 

This disease occurs at the point of the hock and is 
usually caused either by lying on the hock or by the 
irritation due to the repeated hitting of a whiffle -tree, 
chain or other obstacle. The abscess or tumor is usually 
much smaller than that on a capped elbow. The symp- 
toms and treatment are the same. 

Synovial Capped Rock 

This condition, showing beneath the tendon that 
passes over the point of the hock, is practically the 
same as a wind -puff, and should have similar treat- 
ment. (See "Wind-puffs," page 239.) 

Open Joint 

A wound that is likely to prove serious or fatal 
is one that opens the tissues over the joint so that 
the synovial fluid, or joint -oil, will escape. These 
wounds are generally very small incisions, often result- 
ing from kicks, especially from horses that are sharp 
shod, from prods with a pitchfork or similar sharp 
object. They would be insignificant as wounds were not 
the joint opened. 

At first there are few symptoms — a trifling wound 
from which a small amount of blood escapes. If the 
wound is examined carefully, a small amount of watery, 



Open Joint 175 

stick}^ fluid may be noticed, that lias a slippery feel 
when rubbed between the fingers. In the course of 
twenty-four hours, the joint swells and becomes in- 
flamed. The horse is "dead lame," scarcely touching 
the affected leg to the floor. In some cases there is 
fever, sweating, loss of appetite and other symptoms 
of severe pain. The discharge of synovial fluid in- 
creases, especially if the animal moves the joint, until 
a large amount escapes. In most cases the ani- 
mal holds the leg from the floor, or barely rests the 
toe. At first the joint-oil that escapes is colorless, 
but, as the inflammation extends and becomes more 
severe, the fluid becomes thicker, amber- colored, then 
reddish, and in severe cases it may contain pus. 

The proper treatment is to close the wound and get 
it to heal as quickly as possible. An open joint should 
not be probed nor should antiseptics or other fluids 
be injected into the joint. The wound should be 
treated as soon as possible after the injury. If it is 
of some size, it can often be closed with stitches, but 
care must be taken not to pierce the joint with the 
needle. After the wound is closed, or at once, if it 
is small, it can be covered with iodoform, powdered 
acetanilid, or parched flour, and covered with bandages. 
If a scab forms that stops the escape of the joint -oil, 
it should not be removed. To lessen the inflammation, 
cold applications, such as crushed ice or contin- 
uous irrigation by cold water may be employed. 
The auimal should be kept as quiet as possible 
so as to prevent moviug the joint. If the wound 
heals at once and the inflammation subsides, there is 



176 The Care of Animals 

a good prospect of recovery. If the inflammation is 
severe and long-continued, the joint is likely to weld 
together and to become permanently stiff (anchylosed) . 
It is sometimes advisable, in severe cases, to kill the 
animal in the early stages of the trouble, and end the 
intense suffering that is often associated with the disease. 

Capped Knees 

This disease usually occurs in cattle that are con- 
fined in stanchions, and is caused by irritation of the 
knees in getting up and down. A baggy tumor forms 
on the front and lower part of the knee. It is often 
of large size, but seems to cause little inconvenience 
to the animal. 

In treatment, first remove the cause by confining 
the animal in some other manner, or by keeping the 
floor well covered with bedding. The tumor can be 
reduced in size by hot fomentations and by rubbing 
with liniment, but to remove it effectively the best 
way is to open at the bottom and treat the same as 
a shoe -boil on a horse. In all of these diseases, it 
must be remembered that the cause must be removed 
before a cure can be effected, and that the disease is 
likely to recur if the cause is again encountered. 

Wrtj Tail 

The habitual carrying of the tail to one side is a 
marked blemish in desirable driving horses. The only 
treatment is to cut the contracted muscles on the side 
toward which the tail is drawn, and then to carry the 



Ruptures 111 

tail to the opposite side and to retain it in that posi- 
tion by tying to a girth until the wound has partially 
or wholly healed. 

SwitcJiing the Tail 

Some mares of a nervous disposition have a bad 
habit of switching the tail while being driven, espe- 
cially when spoken to or touched with the whip. In 
some cases, breeding the mare and allowing her to 
raise a colt will correct the habit; in other cases, 
spaying the mare through the vagina will stop the 
vice. But in extreme and persistent cases the only 
treatment is to cut the muscles from both sides 
of the roots of the tail. 

Hernia 

A hernia, commonly called a rupture, in most 
cases is caused by external violence, such as a kick 
or a blow, that breaks the muscular walls of the 
abdomen, or belly, and allows some of the contents — 
usually the omentum, a thin curtain of fat, or a loop 
of the intestines — to protrude through the opening and 
press outward against the skin. 

There is a rounded, rather firm mass that causes 
the skin to bulge out as if the part were badly 
swollen, but there is a well-defined line of separation 
between the swelling and the other tissues. The hernia 
is not tender to the touch, and seldom causes the 
animal any inconvenience. By carefully manipulating 
the bunch, the protruding mass can gradually be 



178 The Care of Animals 

worked back into the abdominal cavity, only to return 
again when the pressure is removed. 

A strangulated hernia is one in which a loop of 
the intestine protrudes through the opening and be- 
comes strangled by pressure. It is always a serious 
condition and demands prompt treatment. The symp- 
toms are those of colic, the animal suffering severe 
abdominal pain. In treating this trouble, the horse 
should be kept in such a position that the hernia is on 
the upper side, so that the force of gravity will pull 
the intestine back into the cavity. Hot cloths should 
be applied to the hernia to relax the parts, and then 
by careful manipulation the intestine may be returned 
to the abdominal cavity. Afterwards, the intestine 
may be kept within by means of a truss firmly applied 
to the spot. But it is a difficult matter to keep a 
truss in position on an animal. In most of these 
cases, a surgical operation is necessary to close the 
opening, whether the trouble be a common omental, 
or an intestinal hernia. An expert surgeon should be 
employed to operate. 

When a hernia, or rupture, is first formed, the mass 
should be returned and then a blister applied to the 
part, together with a temporary truss. The parts will 
swell and in healing will often close the opening. An 
ordinary hernia, with no loop of the intestine pro- 
truding, can be treated by tying a stout string or 
rubber band about the hernia and sloughing the part 
off. This will effect a cure in most cases if properly 
applied. A hernia may occur on any part of the 
belly. 



Ruptures ' 179 

Scrotal Hernia 

A scrotal hernia is one in which a loop of the 
intestine descends into the scrotum alongside a tes- 
ticle. It occurs frequently in foals, usually being 
present when the colt is foaled. A scrotal hernia can 
be recognized by the presence of a large, soft mass 
in the scrotum, that can be pushed up into the abdom- 
inal cavity. By pinching the colt's throat, and at 
the same time watching the hernia, it will be seen to 
jump up as the colt coughs. 

In a majority of cases in little colts no treatment 
is needed for scrotal hernia, as the animal will outgrow 
the difficulty. In bad and persistent cases, the hernia 
should be returned and the colt castrated by the cov- 
ered operation, described under castration. (Page 186.) 

CUSTOMARY SURGICAL PRACTICES 

Under this head are included such familiar opera- 
tions as removing appendages and preventing the 
breeding of animals. With most of them every 
progressive farmer is now familiar. 

Dehorning 

Dehorning consists in the removal of the horns by 
some surgical method, or by the application to the 
budding horns of calves of some substance that will 
prevent their growth. It is better to remove or pre- 
vent the growth of horns in calves than to wait until 
the animals have attained their growth. In domestic 



180 The Care of Animals 

animals, horns are useless and dangerous appendages, 
and few experienced persons are nowadays willing to 
have horned animals about them. 

The best method of removing the horns is to apply 
caustic potash to the budding horn as soon as the 
"button" can be felt beneath the skin on the head of 
the calf. The hair should be clipped off, the skin 
over the immature horn wet, and then well rubbed 
with the stick of caustic potash, the fingers being well 
protected from it. In applying the caustic, care should 
be taken to cover the whole "button." After the horn 
is well started it is difficult to remove with caustic. 
A small gouge is sometimes used to remove the 
immature horns. 

In removing the horns from mature animals, the 
animal is confined in a stanchion or chute made for 
the purpose, a halter is put on the head and the 
latter pulled well forward and to one side, and firmly 
held. The horn is then removed, either with a saw 
or with dehorning shears made for the purpose. In re- 
moving the horn a good ring of hair is to be taken 
off with the base of the horn, or the horn will grow 
out as a stub. After the horn is removed, some pine 
tar may be applied and a layer of absorbent cotton 
placed over the wound to stop the bleeding and keep 
out the dirt. Cattle should not be dehorned when 
flies are bad, and, after dehorning, should not be 
allowed access to straw stacks where they can get 
chaff into the wounds. Dehorning is not a reprehensible 
practice, as some persons suppose. The pain of the 
operation is usually slight. The animal is saved injuries 



■m 



Docking — Castrating 181 

from fights, and it leads a more contented and peace- 
ful life. 

DocJiing Horses 

Docking horses by cutting off the tail, except for 
disease or to overcome a vice, is a useless and cruel 
practice, and is not to be recommended. It is now 
the fashion to dock horses, but such a fashion cannot 
be permanent. 

DocMng Lambs 

In docking the tails of lambs a strong, sharp knife 
should be used, and the tail amputated at a joint if 
possible. To prevent hemorrhage, touching the end 
of the cut artery with a hot iron or twisting it with 
a pair of fine forceps will usually stop the flow of 
blood. The younger lambs are docked the less 
is the hemorrhage, and the animals do not seem to 
suffer under the operation as they do when they are 
older. Lambs are docked to render them cleaner and 
to prevent the occurrence of filth diseases. 

Castrating 

Castration consists in the removal or destruction 
of the essential organs of generation. In the male 
these organs are the testicles; in the female they are 
the ovaries. The term castration is properly applied 
only to the removal of testicles. The operation in 
the female is commonly called "spaying," and after the 
operation the animal is said to be "spayed." Animals 



182 The Care of Animals 

are castrated on account of disease, to prevent them 
from breeding, to make them more tractable, to cause 
them to fatten more easily; and in some animals to 
improve the quality of the meat. 

In general, the younger the animals when operated 
the better they withstand the operation. . Colts are 
usually castrated the spring they are two years old, but, 
if they are not well developed, it is sometimes better to 
let them go until they are three years old. Calves, 
lambs and pigs are usually castrated when a few 
weeks old, or as soon as they are growing nicely. 
Heifers are spayed as yearlings or two -year -olds; 
sows and bitches at any age after three months. 
Females should not be spayed when pregnant, or in 
heat. Animals should not be operated when sick 
or debilitated. Operating when the weather is very 
hot or very cold, or w^hen the flies are bad, should 
be avoided. The spring of the year, when the weather 
is cool and pasture good, is an excellent time. 

Before operating, the animals should always be 
examined to determine whether both testicles are 
"down," that is, in the scrotum, not in the abdominal 
cavity, and to determine, also, whether there is a hernia 
or rupture into the scrotum. (Page 179.) Colts with 
testicles not down are called "ridglings,'' or "cryptor- 
chids." (Page 186.) Hernias are more likely to be 
found in colts and pigs. 

In castrating, the greatest danger to be guarded against 
is hemorrhage. In small animals this is inconsiderable; 
in larger animals measures must be taken to prevent 
this, as the artery that supplies the testicle is large. 



Castrating 183 

There are two positions in which animals are placed 
for castration. The standing position can be used for 
colts or bulls. The colt should be placed with his 
left side to a wall, and restrained by a twist on his 
nose. The operator, standing on the right side of 
the colt, grasps the scrotum above the testicles with 
the left hand, and with the right makes two incisions 
into the scrotum, exposing both testicles, which are 
then drawn down and removed with an emasculator, 
or "ecraseur." Bulls can be confined in a narrow stall, 
with a stanchion, the head drawn well to one side 
and fastened with a halter. The operator grasps the 
scrotum, reaching between the hind legs with the left 
hand, and operates as on a colt. 

^ The general method of operating is hy confining 
the animal in a recumbent position. In small animals 
this is easih^ done by an assistant holding the animal 
in his lap, grasping the two right legs in his right 
hand and the two left in his left hand. Colts are 
thrown and confined by "side-lines,'' the legs drawn 
well forward and high up on the shoulder to prevent 
struggling. The colt is placed on his left side or 
back, the operator standing by the right hip. The 
scrotum should be well washed and antiseptics used. 
If one testicle is smaller than the other, remove it 
first; otherwise remove the lower one first. Grasp the 
scrotum firmly below the testicles, squeezing them 
against the skin to draw it tight. Make the incision 
close to the line (raphe) which divides the scrotum 
in the middle, and well forward; the incision should 
be large enough to allow the testicle to slip out freely, 



184 The Cafe of Animals 

and to give free drainage. There are several layers 
to cut through; when the inner one is cut usually a 
little fluid (serum) spurts out. The cord should be 
severed at least four inches from the testicle, to pre- 
vent the cord from healing fast in the wound in the 
scrotum and forming a tumor, — commonly called a 
"schirrous cord" or "champignon," — that may attain a 
large size. The only treatment for such tumor is to 
remove it the same as a testicle, by surgical means. 
There are many ways of severing the cord : 

1. By using an ecraseur or an emasculator, instru- 
ments designed to crush blood-vessels and prevent 
hemorrhage. Both of these instruments are very satis- 
factory. 

2. By tying the cord with a small, strong string, 
and cutting off the testicle with a knife close to the 
string. 

3. By torsion or twisting. A clamp is put on the 
cord and firmly held, a pair of forceps placed on the 
cord between the clamp and testicle, about an inch 
apart, the forceps turned in one direction until the 
cord is twisted oif. The objection to this method is 
that it is slow. 

4. Searing the cord with a hot iron. A clamp is 
firmly fastened on the cord. The testicle is then severed 
with a knife and the end of the cord seared with a 
hot iron. The objection to this is the pain to the 
animal, and the time required. 

The old method of placing wooden clamps on the 
cord is now discarded by good surgeons, except for 
the "covered operation" when there is scrotal hernia. 



Castrating 185 

In small animals where hemorrhage is feared, if the 
cord is scraped or torn apart ttiere is much less dan- 
ger of bleeding than when the cord is cut with a sharp 
knife. 

After the operation the colt should rest for a time 
and then have gentle exercise, as this tends to remove 
blood clots that may collect in the scrotum. If there 
is much swelling give plenty of exercise, and nitrate 
of potash ( saltpeter) a small tablespoonful to a two- 
year-old daily for two or three days. If there are 
symptoms of septicemia, or blood - poisoning, the 
wounds and scrotum should be thoroughly cleaned out, 
blood clots and pus removed and antiseptics used freely 
at least twice daily. Peritonitis, or inflammation of 
the lining membrane of the abdominal cavity, some- 
times follows and is usually fatal. Antiseptics should 
be used on the wounds, and enemas of warm water and 
glycerine to empty the bowels. If the animal suffers 
severely, laudanum in ounce doses may be administered 
every six hours until the pain is lessened. 

In castrating lambs, it is a good plan to cut off 
the lower end of the scrotum instead of making a sepa- 
rate incision on each side. The testicles are then drawn 
down and the cord cut off well up. There is very 
little danger of hemorrhage in castrating young lambs, 
and the cord can usually be torn, scraped or cut off. 

The same method is sometimes used in castrating 
calves. In castrating bulls the end of the scrotum is 
frequently cut off, but the cord should be separated 
with the ecraseur, emasculator, or scraped off, as there 
is often considerable hemorrhage. 



186 The Care of Animals' 

A ridgling or cryptorchid is a colt or horse in which 
one of the testicles remains in the abdominal cavity, 
and does not descend into the scrotum at birth, as 
is usually the case. In a few cases the missing testicle 
can be felt in the inguinal canal, leading from the 
abdominal cavity to the scrotum, where it can be se- 
cured and removed in the ordinary way, but in most 
cases the testicle is in the abdominal cavity and an 
expert surgeon should be called upon to operate for 
its removal. A ridgling has all the characteristics 
of a stallion, and after the testicle that is down is 
removed, can serve and impregnate mares, although 
the service is not as sure as that of a perfect stallion. 
In rare cases both testicles remain in the abdominal 
cavity. 

Scrotal hernia is most frequently met with in colts 
and pigs. In operating, an incision is made through 
the skin, but not through the thin, white membrane 
that covers the testicle. The hernia is then reduced 
by working the intestine back into the abdominal cavity, 
and a clamp is firmly fastened on the sack above the 
testicles and they are removed. The clamps are left 
on until the sack is grown together above; this holds the 
hernia in place. In operating on colts or horses, a skilled 
surgeon should be employed. While scrotal hernias are 
rather common in young colts, most of the animals 
outgrow the difficulty before they are two years old. 
In operating on pigs, the hernia is pushed back into 
the cavity, the testicle removed and the sack firmly 
sewed up by sewing "over and over," or the sack is 
gathered together and firmly tied with a stout string. 



Castrating — Caponizing 187 

The secret of success in castration is to have the 
instruments and the parts clean, to use antiseptics 
freely, to operate quickly, to make the incisions of 
good size, close to the middle line of the scrotum 
(raphe) and well forward, to take the testicle off well 
up, and to give plenty of exercise after the operation. 

Caponizing 

Castrating fowls is called " caponizing, " and the 
castrated animal is called a "capon." The operation is 
performed to prevent breeding, to make them grow 
faster, and to cause them to fatten more easily. Capons 
weigh, on an average, one -third more than cocks of 
the same age, and the meat is of much better quality. 

The best time to caponize cockerels is at six weeks 
old. They should fast twenty -four hours before the 
operation. A tilting table, about the height of a 
barrel, is excellent, but a barrel can be used. The 
light must be very good. The cockerel is stretched 
out and confined by loops of cloth to which weights 
are attached. One loop is placed about the wings 
and another about the legs. The operation is best 
performed on the left side. At six weeks old, it is 
not necessary to pluck the feathers. On older animals, 
however, a few feathers must be removed from the 
point of operation. An incision about an inch long 
is made between, and parallel with, the last two ribs. 
The incision should be made at one stroke through 
the skin and muscles. The peritoneum, or lining 
membrane, is then torn through and the intestines 



188 The Care of Animals 

pushed down out of the way. The left testicle is 
situated in front of the kidney and behind the lung. 
It is best removed with an ecraseur, made by doubling 
an "E" violin string and pushing the loop through 
a small tube. This loop is slipped over the testicle 
and tightly drawn, thus cutting off the testicle. Both 
testicles can be removed through one incision, but 
many operators think they can save time and that the 
fowls do better when operated on from both sides. 
The incision should be sewed up by taking two or 
three stitches. Following the operation, feed the birds 
lightly with soft, laxative food. Barred Plymouth Rocks 
make very fine capons. 

The loss from the operation is very small when prop- 
erly performed, and few "slips," in which both testicles 
have not been removed, will occur. An amateur, be- 
fore attempting to operate, should practice upon a 
dead cockerel until he is familiar with the anatomy 
of the parts. The best plan is to take instruction 
from an expert caponizer. 



There are three general methods of spaying. 
First. — Through the vagina. This method is appli- 
cable only to large animals, as cows and mares, where 
the vagina is large enough to receive the hand. The 
animal is confined in a standing position. The left 
hand is inserted in the vagina, or uterus. An incision 
is then made in the upper front part of the wall of 
the vagina, just in front of the uterus. The left hand 



Spaying 189 

is inserted through the incision, the ovaries are found on 
either side of the uterus and removed with an eeraseur 
or emasculator, made for the purpose. This is an 
excellent method when it can be used. 

Second. — The flank method. This is used mostly 
for heifers and sows, though some surgeons also use 
it for bitches. Heifers are confined in the standing 
position, in stanchions, and crowded against a wall on 
the left side; the hair is clipped from a space about 
six inches long and two inches wide, between the point 
of the hip and last rib, antiseptics used, and an inci- 
sion four or five inches long made through the skin 
and muscles. Some operators prefer the left side, but 
the rumen, or "paunch," is somewhat in the wa3\ 
The left hand, previously cleaned and oiled, is inserted, 
the ovaries found lying on either side of the uterus 
or womb, and removed with an emasculator or spaying 
shears. The wound is closed with two strong stitches, 
antiseptics being used. Both ovaries are removed 
through one incision. 

A sow is laid on a table, the mouth firmly tied 
with a strip of strong cloth to prevent biting. The 
incision can be made on either side. The tube connect- 
ing the ovary with the uterus is found and followed 
to the ovary, which can be removed by tearing off 
with the thumb and finger; the other ovary is re- 
moved in like manner through the same incision. 

Third. — Through the belly. This is used mostly 
on bitches. It is also used on sows and heifers, but 
is not so good as the flank method, on account of 
the danger of a rupture following, and because of the 



190 The Care of Animals 

difficulty of making the stitches hold. The bitch is 
confined by tying the mouth tightly with a strip of 
cloth or string, and an anesthetic may be given. Ether 
should be used, as chloroform, unless carefully given, 
may be fatal to dogs. The bitch is placed on her back 
on a table and held by two assistants, one taking the 
fore and the other taking the hind legs. The hair is 
clipped off, antiseptics used, and an incision about 
two inches long made through the skin and muscles 
on the median line about the center of the belly. 
After cutting through the muscles, a thin, tough 
membrane (the peritoneum) is found, which can be cut 
slightly with a knife and then torn with the fingers, 
so that there will be no danger of cutting the 
intestines. The right index finger is inserted into the 
abdominal cavity and the fallopian tubes found which 
lead from the uterus to the ovaries. The tubes run 
well forward. Care must be taken not to break 
them, as it is extremely difficult to find an ovary when 
it is not attached to its tube. The ovary is carefully 
torn from the fibrous tissue that holds it in place, 
then it is torn from the tube by the thumb nail. 
The other ovary is removed in the same way. 

There is no need to remove the uterus or tubes 
unless the animal is pregnant. In normal cases it is 
not necessary to ligate anything. After removing the 
ovaries, the tubes and intestines that may have es- 
caped are replaced in the cavity and two stitches taken 
through the skin and muscles to close the wound. 
Following the operation, the dog should be left to 
herself. Often there is nausea and vomiting following 



Spaying 191 

the operation, but this soon passes away, though the 
animal may not take food normally for twenty-four or 
thirty -six hours. In about four days, the stitches may 
be clipped and removed. 

In all animals the ovaries can be distinguished by 
the firm, dense structure, which, if once felt, is easily 
recognized. The ovaries are ovoid in form and vary 
in size from a large hickory-nut, in cows and mares, 
to the size of a pea in small dogs or cats. After cows 
or sows are spayed they should not be turned with 
males till the wounds have healed. They should be 
watched to see that flies do not attack the wound and 
deposit eggs, which develop into loathsome "maggots." 
To prevent attacks by flies, tar daubed over the 
wound is excellent. 



CHAPTER IX 

BREEDING AND VETEBINABY OBSTETRICS 

Veterinary obstetrics deals with the care of domes- 
tic animals during pregnancy, the birth of their young, 
and the after-treatment. There is probably no phase 
of veterinary practice that is so little understood by 
stockmen generally, nor one in which a little knowledge 
and practice are productive of such good results. In 
cases of difficult labor, ignorance and bad practice are 
very likely to bring about injury to both dam and 
offspring. 

The generative organs of the female consist of the 
external part called the vulva; from this a tube lined with 
mucous membrane, called the vagina, leads into the in- 
terior of the body. At the farther end of the vagina 
there is a constriction, and in the center of this a small 
opening passes into the uterus, or womb. At the farther 
extremity of the womb two tubes, called fallopian tubes, 
branch off, one to the right and the other to the left. 
At the end of each fallopian tube is a small round body 
called the ovary, which contains the ova, or egg -cells. 
From time to time, after the animal is full grown, a 
mature egg- cell passes from the ovary into the fallopian 
tube; if not impregnated, by coming in contact with a 
male cell, it passes out through the uterus and vagina 
with the mucus that is secreted from their lining mem- 

(192) 



Period of Heat 193 

brane, and dies. Opening into the vagina at its lower 
surface, close to the vulva, is a small tube, the urethra, 
which connects with the bladder, and through which 
the urine is discharged. This is mentioned particularly 
because, in passing probes or other small instruments 
into the vagina, they should be directed toward the 
upper part of the vagina, to avoid passing them through 
the urethra into the bladder. 

When an ovum, or e,^g, is discharged from an ovary 
into the fallopian tube, it is attended by certain symp- 
toms of nervous or sexual excitement, and an abnormal 
discharge of mucus from the vagina. To this period, 
the term "heat" or "rutting" is commonly applied 
by stockmen. During this period, the female is desirous 
of sexual intercourse. If intercourse takes place and 
conditions are favorable, the ovum or Qgg is fertilized 
by the male cell and, instead of passing out and dying, 
remains in the uterus, to the wall of which it becomes 
attached. It develops into a young animal of the same 
species, except when animals of different species are 
crossed, in which rare instances a hybrid is the result, 
as, for example, the mule. The period of heat varies in 
different animals, about as follows: 

Mare Once in three weeks 

Cow Once in three weeks 

Ewe Once in sixteen days 

Sow Once in three weeks 

Bitch Once in six months 

These dates refer to the average time that elapses from 
one period of heat to another, providing pregnancy 
does not occur. 

M 



194 The Care of Animals 

During the period of heat, the milk secretion, if 
the animal is giving milk, is usually lessened. Sexual 
excitement is exhibited by the female jumping upon 
other animals, and appearing more or less nervous 
and excited. The mucous discharges from the vagina 
seem to have an odor that is attractive to males and 
causes sexual excitement in them. 

STERILITY 

Sterility, or impotence, is inability of an animal to 
reproduce its kind. In common language, such an 
animal is "a non -breeder." In the male, impotence is 
usuallj^ due to an absence of the spermatozoa, or male 
cells. This condition may be associated with advancing 
age or excessive service ; in some cases it is a con- 
genital defect, — that is, a defect peculiar to the indi- 
vidual. In those males in which the impotence is due 
to debility, rest and nourishing food combined with 
good tonic medicines, especially those which contain 
nux vomica, comprise the best treatment. There is no 
specific medicine for the treatment for this condition, 
and all hope of recovery is to be based on strengthen- 
ing and toning up the whole system. In other cases, 
impotence in the male may result from some malfor- 
mation or disease of the genital organs. A thorough 
and careful examination should be made in order to 
discover the cause. When there is doubt as to the 
cause of impotence, the male may be allowed sexual 
intercourse and some of the spermatic fluid collected 
and examined under a compound microscope. If 



sterility 195 

spermatozoa are present, they will be observed as 
small swimming: tadpole -like organisms. Should the 
spermatozoa be absent, or should the fresh speci- 
mens be inactive, the trouble is clearly located in the 
spermatic fluid, which is formed in the testicle. It 
is very rare for males ever to recover their fertility 
if the spermatozoa are not found in the spermatic 
fluid. Sometimes, however, this absence is due to 
some temporary disorder, which can be removed. 
Abnormal growths and diseases of the genital system 
in the male must be dealt with according to circum- 
stances. In such cases it is frequently an economical 
plan to castrate the animal and fatten him for the 
market. 

Sterility in the female may be due to an absence, 
or to an abnormal condition, of the ovum, or egg, 
which develops in the ovary and is discharged into 
the uterns or womb periodically at the time of "heat." 
These conditions are not frequent, however, as those 
animals which come in heat regularly and with the 
normal symptoms are usually fertile, so far as the 
egg is concerned. It is difficult to determine when 
sterility is due to an absence, or to sterility, of the 
egg-cell. 

Another cause of sterility in the female is an altered 
secretion of the mucous membrane which lines the 
genital organs. If this secretion be acid in reaction, 
it is fatal to the male cells, or spermatozoa. The 
mucous membrane may be diseased, and this condition 
may cause sterility. In some animals, especially cows, 
there is often observed a disease, known as nymphommiia, 



196 The Care of Animals 

which is an abnormal sexual excitement. The animal 
being in heat ver^^ frequently, or continuously, will 
take service by a bull, but will rarely become preg- 
nant. Unless the cause of the sexual excitement can 
be located and removed (which is seldom), the best 
treatment is to spay the animal and fatten her for the 
market. 

Nervous, vicious animals are not so likely to breed 
as those of a milder temperament. Aged animals, 
especially mares, that have not been bred for some 
time, are extremely difficult to impregnate. This is 
well illustrated by the difficulty experienced in breed- 
ing mares that have been used for racing until they 
are ten or twelve j^ears old, and are then retired for 
breeding purposes. A large percentage of them fail 
to become pregnant. Mares that have been bred 
frequently often will continue to breed after they are 
twenty years of age. Fat animals are seldom good 
breeders, and it is often difficult to impregnate them. 
Animals intended for breeding should be in very 
moderate flesh. Active exercise, just before the ani- 
mal is fed, is conducive to fertilization. 

In the large animals, such as the mare and the cow, 
it is usually an excellent plan, when there is difficulty 
in getting them to breed, to "open the womb." This 
is done by inserting the oiled hand and arm into the 
vagina, finding the opening into the womb, and grad- 
ually dilating it by inserting one or more fingers, 
until the passage is considerably enlarged. A sponge 
tent can also be inserted, which absorbs moisture, 
swells, and automatically dilates the passage. In some 



Htf vilify 197 

cases it may be necessary to make a small incision 
in order to dilate the opening. It is probable that 
mechanical manipulation of the parts, aside from the 
mere dilation of the passage, is conducive to fertili- 
zation, by increasing the blood supply to the part. 
There are some mechanical contrivances, now on the 
market, which are useful in dilating the mouth of the 
womb, and increasing the probability of pregnancy, 
especially in mares. 

Females that have aborted are not so likely to 
breed, especially when the abortion has been due to 
contagion. Tumors, malformations, or diseased con- 
ditions of the genital organs in females, are frequent 
causes of sterility. In mares that have been bred, 
there is sometimes an opening from the vagina into 
the rectufn, through which pieces of dung often pass 
and escape from the vulva. This opening usually 
results from injury to the part while foaling. Such 
mares do not breed readily and are liable to injury 
in foaling afterward. In many cases this opening 
between the rectum and the vagina can be closed by a 
good surgeon and the mare become as valuable as 
ever for breeding purposes. Excessive sexual inter- 
course in all animals tends to lessen the fertility of 
the animal. 

Breeding very young animals is likely to stunt the 
growth of females and to impair the vigor of the 
reproductive system in males. Stallions should not 
be used for breeding purposes until three years old, 
and should be limited to fifteen or twenty mares the 
first season, and not used very frequently even then. 



198 The Care of Animals 

Bulls may be used for breeding at two years old, but 
should be limited to fifteen or twenty cows. A judi- 
cious use of young breeding males will greatly prolong 
their vigor and fertility. 

SIGNS OF PREGNANCY 

It is often important to determine whether a female 
is pregnant, as the value of the animal may be enhanced 
or lessened by such a condition. In its early stages, 
pregnancy is difficult to recognize. One of the first 
signs is the absence of the usual period of heat, or 
rutting, although in some cases a pregnant animal 
will take service by the male. Service is usually re- 
sented by the female. There is a tendency for the 
animal to be more quiet than usual, and to take on 
fat more readily. This fact is sometimes taken advan- 
tage of by unscrupulous persons who breed animals, 
when beginning to fatten them for the market. In 
some cases, a pregnant female becomes more cross 
toward other animals and will drive them away. As 
pregnancy advances, the belly becomes more pendulous 
and movements of the fetus (the young animal in the 
womb) become apparent, especially after the animal 
has taken a drink of cold water. These are peculiar 
jerking or kicking movements, and are observed in 
the region of the dam's flank, particularly on the right 
side. They can often be felt by placing the hand firmly 
against the flank. In cows, as pregnancy advances, 
there is often a small rope of mucus, called by cattle- 
men a "tag," hanging from the vulva. In large ani- 



Pregnancy 199 

mals, as cows and mares, pregnancy can sometimes be 
detected by a physical examination. The rectum is 
emptied, two assistants pass a folded blanket under 
the animal's belly and lift up, while the operator, 
his hand and arm oiled and inserted into the rectum, 
feels for the uterus, which lies just beneath the 
rectum. When the uterus is found, a quick push 
downward is given with the flat hand, and the hand 
held quietly in position. If the animal is pregnant, 
the small fetus will be felt as it bobs back against 
the hand, like a cork floating in water. The preg- 
nant uterus felt in this manner is much larger than 
the normal uterus, and it lies about half an arm's 
length from the vulva. Sometimes animals, par- 
ticularly mares, show few if any signs of pregnancy 
until they surprise their owners with their living 
young. 

Pregnant animals should be kept in fair flesh, not 
very fat nor very thin. They should have plenty of 
exercise, and laxative, but not too bulky food. Harsh 
treatment, excitement and violent exercise should be 
avoided, such as fast driv^ing, heavy pulling, wallow- 
ing in snow-drifts or mire, slipping on ice, crowding 
through narrow doorways, kicks, blows or sudden 
jumps from the use of the whip. During the later 
stages of pregnancy, strong medicines, especially vio- 
lent purgatives, should not be given. 

The period of gestation, or pregnancy, — that is, the 
time which elapses between the fertilization of the ^gg 
and the birth of the young, — varies in different animals 
as follows : 



200 The Care of Animals 

Mare about 344 days, or eleven months 

Cow about 280 days, or nine months 

Ewe about 152 days, or five mouths 

Sow about 112 days, or three and a half months 

Bitch about 63 days, or two months 

Pregnant animals frequently give birth to their young 
sooner than the period indicated. If the young animal 
is sufficiently developed to live, it is usually called a 
premature birth ; if the fetus is not sufficiently devel- 
oped to live, it is called an abortion. Pregnant animals 
may also carry their young longer than the period 
indicated. 

SIGNS OF PARTURITION, OR APPROACHING BIRTH 

At the close of the period of gestation, signs of 
approaching parturition usually appear. The mammary 
glands become distended, the vulva enlarges, and the 
mucous membranes lining the vagina become congested 
and red. In cows, the hip bones tip forward a little, 
and a small depression on each side of the root of the 
tail appears more marked. The cow is commonly said 
to be "down in her hips." In mares, a waxy secretion 
often appears on the ends of the teats. There is a 
tendency for the animal to isolate herself from others, 
and to hide away. As parturition approaches she be- 
comes somewhat nervous, stepping about uneasily, the 
uneasiness increasing until labor -pains set in. 

Parturition is the birth, or expulsion, of the young 
from the womb. The mouth of the womb dilates, the 
vagina and vulva enlarge, the membranes that surround 



Parfyriiion 201 

the fetus in the womb, commonly called the "water 
bags," pass out through the vagina, followed hy the 
young animal; and, last of all, the remaining mem- 
brane, or "after -birth," is expelled. 

Animals about to give birth to young should be 
placed in dry, comfortable quarters, with a moderate 
quantity of fine litter for bedding. If too much bedding 
is supplied the animal may paw it into a bunch and in 
lying down or rolling, as it frequently does, may become 
"cast," — that is, get into a position from which it is 
unable to rise without assistance. Or, if the young are 
small, the mother may lie upon them or injure them if 
they are covered by much bedding. Sows, in farrowing, 
often lie upon the pigs and kill or injure them, espe- 
cially when the pigs are crowded against a wall. To 
prevent this, a piece of plank two inches high maj^ be 
spiked to the floor, two or three inches from the wall ; 
or short pieces of board about a foot long may be nailed 
to the floor and wall, the bottom of the board being 
placed three or four inches from the wall. These pieces 
should be nailed about eighteen inches apart. After 
the animal is made comfortable in quarters where she 
is not liable to injure either herself or her young, she 
should be undisturbed, but a close watch should be 
kept to see that labor is proceeding normally, and that 
everything is going as it should. 

Labor -pains are muscular efforts of the mother to 
expel the fetus. The muscular walls of the uterus, or 
womb, contract at the time the animal strains, and 
thus the fetus is gradually forced out through the 
vagina. At first the labor -pains are slight and infre- 



202 The Care of Animals 

quent, but, as parturition progresses, they become 
frequeut and more violent. 

The normal position for young animals to be born 
is with the front feet and head foremost. This is the 
best and easiest position, as the head and fore legs act 
as a wedge and gradually dilate the passage. Young 
animals are frequently born with the hind legs foremost. 
No attempt should be made to turn them, as they are 
usually born without much difficulty, and seldom need 
assistance in this position. It is better that labor 
should proceed slowly, in order that the passages may 
gradually dilate and adjust themselves to the fetus and 
thus avoid injuring the soft tissues. 

DYSTOKIA 

Dystokia, or difficult labor, a condition in which 
assistance is needed in order to deliver the young 
animal, is rather frequent. It may be due to an ab- 
normal position of the fetus, a very large fetus, a 
small passage in the dam, or to some malformation, 
either of the fetus or of the dam. When an animal has 
been in labor for an hour or two, when the labor- 
pains are strong and frequent and no progress is 
made in the birth of the young, the probability is 
that something is wrong, and attention to the case 
is demanded. The chances of success are much greater 
when the case is taken early, before the mother is 
exhausted from severe straining, and before the water 
bags are ruptured and the lubricating fluids allowed to 
escape and the parts to become dry and swollen. 



BystoMa 208 

Difficult labor is more easily treated in cows than 
in mares, and the results are better. In treating dys- 
tokia, the animal, if large, should be kept in the stand- 
ing position, if possible, as it is easier to handle and 
better results follow. In many cases the animal will not 
stand. The operator should be clad in sleeveless cloth- 
ing that will not be injured by being soiled. The 
arms should be rubbed with carbolized oil, one part of 
carbolic acid to thirty parts of oil; lacking this, any 
clean oil will do, or soap and water may be used. 
The first thing to be determined is the position of 
the fetus, called the "presentation." The case may be 
a normal presentation, a hind-leg presentation, etc. 
After determining this point, the fetus should be 
gotten into the normal presentation, if possible. If 
this is not feasible, a hind -leg presentation should be 
secured. Failing in both of these, it is usually neces- 
sary to resort to embryotomy, that is, to cut the 
fetus up and take it away in pieces. It is impossible 
to turn a fetus of any reasonable size end for end 
in the uterus. One of the most frequent abnormal 
positions is with the head and fore leg presented and 
one fore leg doubled back. In this case, double a 
piece of rope and loop it around the fore leg, and 
another around the head; then push the fetus back 
into the uterus, and bring forward the fore leg that is 
doubled back, thus securing a normal position. In most 
cases of dystokia, smooth pieces of small rope, six to 
eight feet long, are all that is needed. Cotton sash 
cord is excellent. 

When both fore legs are doubled back and the head 



204 Tire Care of Animals 

is presented, the latter should be secured by a rope, 
the fetus pushed back, and the legs secured and 
brought forward. In case the fetus is dead, and the 
head is badly swollen, so that it cannot be pushed 
back, the head can be amputated after the neck is 
firmly secured by a rope. When the fetus is presented 
with the hind parts first, both hind legs are to be 
secured and the delivery made in that position. When 
both hind legs are doubled back it is called a "breech" 
presentation; this, and a back presentation are usually 
yery difficult to deliver. A fetus may be presented 
in a score of different positions, some of them requiring 
ingenuity and skill to handle, together with 
careful study of conditions. 

In small animals, when the vagina is too 
small to admit the hand, a piece of wire can 
be doubled and the ends passed through a small 
tube, thus forming a loop (Fig. 40). This can 
be slipped over a leg or the head of the fetus, 
the tube pushed up to hold it, and the fetus 
secured. Excellent forceps are made for this 
purpose. In case the fetus is deformed or is a 
monstrosity, it should be dealt with as the spe- 
cial case seems to warrant. 
L^lfp^for When the head is greatly distended with 

""^w?^ "water on the brain" (Fig. 41), a sm^ incision 
animals. ^^^^.0^^!^ ^\^q top of the head will allow the fluid 
to escape, and the delivery will be easily accomplished. 

When the fetus cannot be secured in any other 
manner, it is necessary to perform embryotomy. Special 
knives made for this purpose are a great advantage, 



DystoMa 



205 




but a common pocket-knife can be used, by winding 
the lower half of the blade with a string; the point 
of the blade can be used for cntting, and when 
inserting the knife into 
the womb the blade can 
be protected by the 
hand, so that it will not 
injure the mother. Em- 
bryotomy is a hard, and 
often a difficult task to 
perform, but in many 
cases it is the only hope 
of saving the dam. In 
treating cases of diffi- 
cult labor, the following 
directions should be ob- 
served : Be sure to get 
the fetus in a good position, either with the head and 
fore legs in the passage, or the hind legs, before attempt- 
ing to use force in taking it away. After getting the 
fetus straight, use gentle traction, pulling in a down- 
ward direction. The amount of force that one person 
can exert is usually sufficient; in some cases more may 
be employed, but the practice of tearing the fetus aw^ay 
is cruel and should not be allowed. Avoid injuring 
the mother by bruising, tearing or cutting the tissues, 
as inflammation and blood - poisoning may follow. 
Sometimes the dam continues to strain after the j^oung 
animal is born; a small rope tied tightly around the 
body, just in front of the hind legs, will usually stop 
this. In mares, the foal is sometimes too weak to 



Fig. 41. Head of foal with "water ou 
the brain." 



206 The Care of Animals 

rupture the membranes in which it may be enveloped 
when it is born ; thus it is likely to suffocate if an 
attendant is not at hand. 

The young animal should be made comfortable 
and left with the mother, unless there is danger 
of its being injured. Sows sometimes eat their 
young pigs. In such cases the pigs should be 
taken awaj^ for a short time, and the sow well fed. 
The pigs, before returning to the mother, may be 
rubbed with some disagreeable substance, such as a 
weak solution of aloes; sometimes a piece of raw 
onion rubbed over the little pigs will answer the same 
purpose. When there is an abnormal discharge from 
the vagina following parturition, the uterus should 
be washed out with warm water, and a weak solution 
of carbolic acid, one part carbolic acid to forty parts 
of water, or a solution of creolin, one part to one 
hundred parts of water. This may be used daily. 

REMOVING THE PLACENTA 

In nearly all animals, with the exception of the 
cow, the placenta, or after-birth, comes away when 
the young animal is born. In the cow, it frequently 
remains attached to the walls of the uterus. When 
it is not removed, it decomposes and is discharged 
as a yellow or reddish fluid, having an extremely 
offensive odor. The discharge is most apparent 
when the cow is lying down or when she endeavors to 
pass urine. The tail and parts about the vulva are 
soiled by the fluid, which often contains lumps of 



Removing the Placeiita 207 

decomposing material. The cow falls awa}" in flesh, 
the milk flow is lessened and the animal presents a 
general nnthrifty appearance. The placenta should 
not be left longer than the third day. To remove it, 
the cow should be confined by the head and an 
assistant should hold the tail to one side. It is a 
good plan to wind the free portion of the placenta 
upon a small stick, and roll the stick up until it 
reaches the vulva. The right hand and arm of the 
operator, well covered with carbolized oil, should be 
inserted into the uterus, following the placenta (which 
is easily distinguished from the surrounding tissues) 
by rolling the stick which is held in the left hand. 
The attachments of the placenta to the walls of the 
uterus can be worked loose with the fingers of the 
right hand and the whole membrane removed. 

EVERSION OF THE UTERUS 

This condition is commonly called "casting the 
weathers," and is most frequently seen in tlie cow. It 
occurs after calving, especially when there has been 
difficult labor and much irritation of the part. After 
the calf is born the cow continues to strain until the 
uterus is forced out and hangs in a large mass from the 
vulva. 

The displaced uterus should be carefully washed 
with warm water, containing a small amount of carbolic 
acid or other antiseptic, and then carefully pushed back 
into place. The animal will strain while this is being 
done, but it is to be firmly held until the straining is 



208 The Care of Animals 

over. In replacing- an everted uterus, the closed fist 
should be placed beneath the mass, and gradually pushed 
up into the vagina. This returns the parts to their 
normal positions. 

Taking about four stitches through the lips of the 
vulva will hold the uterus in place. The stitches can 
be left for twenty- -four to thirty -six hours, or until all 
straining is stopped. In some cases a truss, made of 
rope, can be arranged so that it will cover the vagina; 
it is held in place by tying to a band around the body. 
A pessary is also used, — a small smooth stick, such as 
the end of a fork handle, is cut off about three feet 
long, and a hole is bored through the cut end. After 
the uterus is replaced, the smooth end is inserted 
and the stick is held in place by a small rope passed 
through the hole in the end and tied to the band 
around the body. A small rope tied tightly around 
the body just back of the front legs, and another just 
forward of the hind legs, usually will keep the cow 
from straining. 

A cow that has everted the uterus once is likely to 
do so the next time she calves. In purchasing cows, the 
vulva should be examined to see whether there are 
scars of stitches wliere it has been sewed up. When 
there is a tendency tow^ard eversion, there is likely to 
be protrusion of the vagina previous to calving. A 
reddish mass is noticed to protrude when the cow is 
lying down. To remedy this condition, the vagina 
should be replaced and the hind quarters of the cow 
elevated by raising the rear of the stall, say, five or six 
inches. 



Abnormal MilJc 209 

ALTERED MILK SECRETION 

After an animal has given birth to young, if there is 
a scant secretion of milk she should be given plenty of 
watery food, especially bran mashes, as these tend to 
increase the milk flow and they have a laxative effect 
on the bowels. When the udder is swollen or inflamed, 
soft watery foods should not be given. 

The milk may be abnormal or altered in any one of 
several particulars. In some cases there is little or no 
fat in the milk. This may be habitual to the animal or 
it may be caused by improper food, especially by foods 
which are poor in nourishing materials, such as bad hay 
or corn-stalks, and such foods as swill or refuse of any 
kind. In treating this condition, a careful examination 
should be made for disease of any kind that would 
interfere with the health of the animal; the food sup- 
plied should be rich and easily digested. If the condi- 
tion is natural to the cow, it is a good plan to fatten 
her for the market. 

Bloody milk is frequently seen, especially soon after 
calving. This is the result of a rupture of some of the 
small blood-vessels that surround the secreting cells, 
or it may be due to a local injury or to a diseased con- 
dition of the udder, such as might result from a tumor 
or tuberculosis in this gland. In the treatment, condi- 
tions responsible for the disease should be looked for, 
and, if possible, removed. Bathing the udder with hot 
water and milking frequently give good results. 

Blue, bitter, "slippery" or putrid milk, is caused by 
the presence of germs which have gained entrance to 



210 The Care of Animals 

the udder. The disease can be treated by milking the 
gland clean frequently and injecting a solution of boric 
acid, about ten grains to the ounce of water. The 
solution can be injected by using a milking tube— a 
rubber tube and funnel. This solution can be used 
twice daily, after milking. 

Bad odors in milk often come from strong or bad 
odors about the stable. The source of the taint should 
be removed and the milk well aerated. 

MAMMITIS 

Mammitis is inflammation of the mammary gland or 
udder. It is called "caked bag" and "garget." The 
term garget is usually applied to those cases in which 
the milk secretion is altered and appears as a thick or 
stringy fluid. 

Inflammation of the mammary gland usually occurs 
soon after the young is born, when the gland is ac- 
tive and congested with blood. Inflammation may be 
set up by irritation of any kind, — injuries, such as 
kicks or blows, or another animal stepping on the 
udder, the retention of milk too long without being 
drawn, and especially by germs entering the udder. 

In many cases of mammitis the gland is hard, swollen 
and tender, often "pitting" on pressure; the milk 
secretion is altered, often thick or stringy, or sometimes 
is only a watery fluid. In most cases the flow is greatly 
lessened. As the disease is most frequently seen in 
cows, the description will be applied to them. The cow 
is often uneasy with the pain. In severe cases the milk 



Garget 211 

secretion is stopped in one quarter or in all of the udder. 
In very bad cases a part of the udder may die and 
slough off. In cases in which the secretion is stopped 
it may return at the next period of lactation. 

In treatment, the milk should be drawn frequently 
and the udder gently but thoroughly rubbed. Bathe 
with hot water for twenty minutes at a time, rub dry, 
and apply an ointment made by dissolving two table- 
spoonfuls of gum camphor in a teacupful of melted 
fresh lard. An ounce of fluid extract of belladonna 
added is an improvement. The gland should be bathed 
three times daily, and the ointment well rubbed in. 
If the udder is large and pendulous, supporting it with 
a wide piece of cloth with holes cut for the teats, gives 
relief. A poultice of spent hops or similar light 
material applied inside of the cloth is excellent. 

A form of inflammation of the udder that is prev- 
alent in some localities starts with a small sore at 
the opening of the milk -duct. This causes the cow 
to milk hard, and a milking tube is resorted to, which 
usually carries the germs from the sore up into the 
udder and causes much difiiculty. When these small 
scabby sores first appear they should be treated with 
white lotion, and lard or vaseline applied to keep the 
part soft. As there is a tendency for the opening 
to close and heal over, a small, smooth, hard -wood 
plug should be inserted in the end of the milk -duct 
after each milking. The plug should be well greased 
with vaseline or fresh lard. 

In cases in which mammitis is due to invasion of the 
gland by bacteria, a solution of carbolic acid, one 



212 Tlie Care of Animals 

part to fifty parts of boiled water, should be injected 
into the udder through the milk -duct with the appa- 
ratus used for the treatment of milk fever. After the 
solution has acted for a few minutes, it^ should be 
milked out. The external treatment for such a case 
is the same as directed for an ordinary case. 

Milking tubes are valuable instruments when used 
with care and good judgment, but their indiscriminate 
use is often the source of much harm. Before using 
them, both the tubes and the teats should be care- 
fully disinfected. 

MILK FEVER 

The term "milk fevCr" is not the correct name to 
apply to this disease, as there is rarely any fever 
associated with it; in fact, the temperature is usually 
below normal. "Parturient apoplexy" is a much more 
appropriate term; but the name commonly used to 
designate this disease will be used here. 

Milk fever attacks dairy cows soon after calving, 
usually within a few days after, but always within 
ten days. The best and heaviest milkers are most 
subject to the disease. In most cases the cow is down, 
or partially unconscious, with the disease when first 
noticed. If the attack is gradual, the first symptom 
is uneasiness, — the cow is dull, the appetite gone, and 
the milk secretion lessened or stopped. If the cow 
is forced to walk there is a peculiar paddling gait, 
and a vacant stare from the eyes. These symptoms 
increase until the cow, unable to stand, falls or lies 



Milk Fever 213 

down. The nose is usually turned toward the flank. 
In severe cases the cow is totally unconscious, and 
in most cases is only partially conscious. Often there 
is a slight moan with the breathing, due to the stupor. 
There may be some excitement in the early stages of 
the disease. 

The cow should be made as comfortable as possible 
and kept propped up on her brisket, with the head 
elevated. If she can swallow, a small dose of three- 
fourths of a pound of Epsom salts should be given as 
a drench. Great care must be taken to prevent chok- 
ing, as she is often unable to swallow prop- 
erly, and medicine getting into the lungs is 
liable to choke her to death or to set up 
pneumonia that will prove fatal. The most 
satisfactory method is the Schmidt treatment. 
This consists in injecting into the udder a 
solution of three drams of iodide of potash 
dissolved in one quart of clean boiled water. 
The milk is first stripped from the udder and 
the solution injected by means of a small 
rubber tube about three feet long, in one 
end of which is inserted a milking tube, and 
in the other a small funnel. Fig. 42. The 
milking tube is inserted into the milk -duct, 
the funnel held as high as the tube will al- 
low, and the solution poured in. As much 
of the solution as possible is injected into Schmidt 
each quarter by working and manipulat- apparatus. 
ing the udder. In many cases it is impossible to 
get more than a pint into the udder at once. If no 



214 The Care of Animals 

marked improvement sets in, the injection may be 
repeated once after eight or ten hours. It is a good 
plan to dash cold water over the cow, wetting her to 
the skin, and have two persons rub her vigorously 
for twenty minutes till she is thoroughly dry, and 
then blanket her warmly. Cloths wet with cold water 
or a bag filled with crushed ice should be applied 
to the head. An enema of warm water to empty 
the bowels is excellent. If the cow can swallow with- 
out danger, stimulants can be given. Essence of 
Jamaica ginger, in two -ounce doses, may be given 
every two hours, or whisky in four -ounce doses. 
Both should be diluted in a pint of rather hot water. 
It is a good plan to milk the cow frequently, and to 
bathe the udder with hot water, rubbing it well. If 
the cow can eat, soft mashes, gruels, or other laxative, 
easily digested foods, can be given. Cool water can 
be offered frequently and in small amounts until her 
thirst is satisfied. 

The iodide of potash, or Schmidt treatment, has 
reduced the rate of mortality in this disease nearly 
one-half. It is difficult to tell by the symptoms whether 
a cow is going to recover or not. Cows having the 
disease in apparently the worst form often make sur- 
prising recoveries, and mild cases sometimes die without 
any apparent reason. 

It sometimes occurs that a cow recovers from milk 
fever but dies from pneumonia, caused by food or 
medicine getting into the lungs. It is probable that 
most cases will do better when no attempt is made to 
give medicines by the mouth. 



The Young 215 

CARING FOR THE YOUNG, AND WEANING 

Young animals should always be allowed to have 
the first milk, or colostrum, as this has a laxative effect 
upon the bowels and assists in the removal of the 
waste material which has collected before birth. When 
this is wanting, a dose of castor -oil in warm milk 
should be given. When it is necessary to wean 
young animals, they should be placed in secure quar- 
ters where there is no danger of injury, and far 
enough away from the dam so that their cries may 
not be heard. They should be taught to eat food 
before weaning. This can be done in most cases by 
placing the feed-trough or box low enough so that 
they may eat with the mother. It is seldom advisable 
to feed a large number of young animals in common, 
as the stronger tend to gorge themselves and to prevent 
the weaker from getting food. After weaning, young 
animals should be fed frequently, a small amount of 
food being given at a time. Colts are usually weaned 
at from five to six months old. Calves are usually 
taken from the cows two or three days after calving, — 
as soon as the milk becomes normal. Pigs are weaned 
at about two months old, and lambs at three to four 
months. After weaning, the udder of the dam should 
be milked often enough to relieve the pressure and to 
prevent inflammation. When it is desired to ''dry off" 
the dam, the udder should not be milked dry. 

The greatest objection to patent feeding devices in 
which milk is used as food for young animals is the 
difficulty in keeping them clean and sweet. In weaning 



216 The Care of Animals 

calves it is generally preferable to teach them to drink 
"by hand." 

PYEMIA, OR BLOOD-POISONING, IN COLTS 

Pyemia is a disease of young colts due to infection 
by pus -producing bacteria. The disease usually occurs 
within two or three weeks after the colt is foaled. 
In the early stages of the disease the symptoms are 
the collecting of pus in the pockets or swellings, and 
usually some swelling of the joints in the affected 
region, with stiffness and difficult locomotion. If the 
pockets are not opened, the pus often burrows along 
the tendons and in the loose tissue about the joints, 
until it finally breaks and discharges as a thin 
yellow fluid from pockets that spread and ramify in 
various directions. The source of infection is usually a 
wound of some kind, in some cases probably the navel. 
When this disease is neglected the colt becomes dull, loses 
appetite, lies in the sun, grows weak, and finally dies. 

All cavities containing pus should be opened freely, 
washed out with warm water, and treated with a solu- 
tion of corrosive sublimate (one part to one thousand 
parts of water). A solution of one part of peroxid 
of hydrogen in two parts of water is excellent. A 
solution of white lotion, made by diluting the ordinary 
solution with one -third the amount of water, can be 
used in place of the sublimate. An infected navel must 
be treated with strong antiseptics, a weak tincture of 
iodine, or cauterized with lunar caustic. The colt 
should be well nourished. 



CHAPTER X 

DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE BONES, LIMBS AND 

JOINTS 

Bones are composed of both mineral and organic 
matter. In early life there is a predominance of the 
animal or organic matter. As age advances the relative 
proportion of mineral to animal material becomes 
larger, the bones become harder and more brittle, and, 
as a result, are more easily broken, and when broken 
they do not unite as readily as do the bones of young 
animals. This is an important fact in determining 
whether or not it will pay to try to repair broken 
bones in animals. 

FRACTURES 

A fracture is a break in a bone. It is usually 
produced by external violence, although, in rare cases, 
a fracture may be caused by severe muscular exertion. 
As a general rule, fractures are not frequent among 
animals. There are cases, however, in which the bones 
are abnormally brittle and break easily. The bones of 
young animals, being somewhat flexible, will sometimes 
double up or bend out of place without cracking 
when subjected to a severe strain. Such a condition 
is commonly known as a "green-stick fracture," but it 
is not frequently seen. When a bone is broken into 

(217) 



218 The Care of Animals 

two distinct parts it is called a ''simple fracture." If 
one of the pieces of broken bone should penetrate the 
flesh and skin so as to protrude it is called a " compound 
fracture." If the bone is broken into three or more 
parts it is called a "comminuted fracture." Fractures 
are usually serious, but their importance also depends 
upon the location, — whether near a joint or so covered 
with tissues as to be inaccessible to treatment. The 
severity of the break, whether other tissues are injured, 
the age, value, and size of the animal, as well as the 
work for which the animal is intended, are to be con- 
sidered in the treatment. Fractures usually do better, 
and there are greater probabilities of recovery, in small 
animals than in large, because the former are more 
easily treated and controlled. As a general rule, 
fractures in cattle make better recoveries than those 
in horses, other things being equal. 

One of the most positive symptoms of fracture is 
the loss of use of the part, especially when the part is 
a limb. The animal is unable to use it to any extent 
and, if forced to move, goes on three legs. There is 
usually a displacement of the broken bone, — that is, 
the bones slip by each other and can be moved out of 
their normal positions. In most cases there appears 
to be an extra joint where the break occurs, and the 
part can be moved in various directions or swings about 
in a useless manner as the animal moves. Another 
important indication is a grating sound, called "crepitus," 
which can be heard or, better, felt, when the broken 
pieces of bone are moved upon each other. In some 
fractures there is no displacement of the broken pieces, 



Adjusting Fractures 219 

especially in small, short bones ; but, by grasping the 
two extremities and moving or twisting them, the 
crepitus, as the broken parts grate over each other, is 
distinctly felt or heard. Pain is usually a well-marked 
accompaniment of fracture. Any movement of the part 
irritates the animal. Swelling usually follows in a 
short time, in the region of the broken part, especially 
if the bone be covered by soft tissues. 

The treatment of fracture consists in replacing the 
broken bones in their normal positions and keeping 
them there without movement until they have knit or 
grown fast together. This is a more difficult matter 
in animals than in the human subject, owing to the 
difficulty in controlling the movements of the animal. 
It is seldom worth while to attempt to treat severe 
comminuted fractures, when the bone is crushed into 
pieces. If the ends of the broken bones have slipped 
by each other, it is necessary to pull them apart until 
the broken ends can be brought squarely together. 
Dogs should always be muzzled, to prevent their biting 
the operator. It is often a good plan to give the small 
animals ether, as it not only does away with the pain 
but renders the muscles limp, so that the part may be 
easily set; and it keeps the animal quiet during the 
operation; After the bones are placed in position, the 
part should be covered with two layers of flannel ban- 
dage, smoothly applied. This is to allow for swelling 
of the part and to prevent the splints from injuring 
the skin. Over the flannel bandage splints can be 
applied. These are thin strips of wood, or other light, 
stiff material, that can be shaped to the part, placed 



220 The Care of Animals 

on the outside of the flannel bandage, and firmly held 
in position by binding them on with bandages. The 
splints should be as long as possible, in order to give 
greater leverage both above and below the fracture, 
and so to prevent the part from moving. It is some- 
times a good plan to allow the splints to extend from 
the foot to the knee or hock joint, or, at least, the full 
length of the broken bone and as much farther as 
possible. When the broken bone is in the' leg, where 
there is very little soft tissue covering it and conse- 
quently very little swelling, a plaster of Paris splint, or 
cast, can be applied directly over the flannel bandage. 
Prepared plaster of Paris bandages can be purchased 
at drug -stores, or they can be made by using strips 
of cheese-cloth or thin cotton two and a half inches 
wide and six feet long. These bandages are liberally 
sprinkled with plaster of Paris, which is worked into 
the meshes of the cloth and sprinkled on its surface. 
The bandage is then rolled up. When ready to apply, 
the bandages are placed in a vessel of water until 
thoroughly saturated, as shown by the absence of 
escaping bubbles. The bandage is then applied firmly 
over the fracture, beginning below and winding upward 
until a jacket is formed at least half an inch thick. 
The plaster cast should extend as far above and below 
the fracture as is possible. It is a good plan to start 
the plaster of Paris bandage at the foot or at a large 
joint, in order to prevent its slipping down, as it is 
likely to do if the swelling in the part should subside. 
Splints are also made of leather, tin and stiff felt ; 
and, in some cases, a thin strip of iron can be bent 



Adjusting Fractures 221 

to conform to the leg, and either be bound on with 
bandages or welded to the shoe, the upper end being 
held in position with bandages. After splints are ap- 
plied to a fracture, they should be carefully watched, 
to see that they do not "cord" the part, shutting off 
the circulation below. Chafing of the part or loosening 
of the splints is to be guarded against. Should these 
conditions occur, the splint or cast should be removed 
and another applied. After the splints are applied the 
animal must be kept as quiet as possible. If it is a 
horse, and kept in the standing position, slings or 
"lean-tos" should be supplied, to rest the animal. If 
the animal is lying down it should be well protected 
by bedding, to prevent the forming of bed-sores. 
Plenty of nutritious, laxative food, especially bran 
for the larger animals and milk and meat for the 
smaller, should be supplied, as these furnish an abun- 
dance of the mineral substances which are important 
in preventing disease and in repairing injuries of 
bone. 

A jelly-like substance exudes from the broken ends 
of bone. This soon turns into gristle and forms a 
callus around the broken parts, and finally turns into 
bone and firmly welds the parts together, if they are 
brought into contact. If the bone has been well set 
in its normal position, the callus becomes absorbed 
and disappears, and scarcely a trace remains to show 
the place of the fracture. Sometimes, in setting a 
fracture, the bones are not replaced in their normal 
position, and, as a result, the leg may be shortened 
or somewhat crooked, causing the animal to limp. 



222 The Care of Animals 

The animal, may suffer no pain, however, and little 
inconvenience from this. It is surprising to see how 
quickly animals suffering from fracture will learn to 
protect the injured part, and will get up and lie down 
with little difficulty, or will hobble about at pasture. 
Horses recovering from fractures should not be put 
to work for three months. 

When a bone has not been set and the part has 
been subject to movement, the ends of the broken 
bones sometimes heal over, and the condition known 
as ^' false joint" occurs. The animal is usually severely 
lame and of little use when afflicted in this way, as it is 
practically incurable. If possible, the animal should 
be fattened for slaughter. 

Broken bones in the legs of chickens can be set by 
incasing the bone in a splint made by using narrow 
strips of cotton cloth covered with glue, applied as a 
plaster -cast is to a larger animal. 

When a fracture occurs close to a joint the inflam- 
mation may extend to the joint, and, in the healing 
process, the bones of the joint become firmly welded 
together, or "anchylosed." 

The bones most commonly broken in animals are 
those of the legs, jaws, face and hips. It is impossible 
to put splints on broken thigh bones of large animals, 
because the bone is so deeply covered with muscle. 
It is usually a waste of time and a source of expense 
to try to treat a fracture that has "gathered" and is 
discharging pus. This condition generally indicates 
that there are some loose pieces of bone that must be 
removed. 



Ulcerated Fractures 223 

FRACTURE OF HIP BONE 

The condition that causes a horse to be "hipped" 
is due to a fracture of the crest of the ilium, at the 
point of the hip. The large muscles attached to the 
bone draw the broken piece downward. It usually 
results from striking the point of the hip against a 
door-post or similar obstacle, and, in some cases, 
from kicks by other animals. It is also seen in cows, 
but not so frequently. No -treatment can be ap- 
plied. The animal generally recovers, but the point 
of the hip does not return to its normal condi- 
tion, and the affected hip is noticeably lower than 
the other. This condition rarely causes any inconve- 
nience to the animal, and is only noticeable as a 
blemish. 

ULCERATION OF BONE 

When a bone has been injured so as to destroy 
the tough, fibrous membrane (periosteum) that covers 
the outside, the bone may ulcerate and a running sore 
form, which discharges a thin, watery pus. This con- 
dition can usually be recognized by passing a small 
metal probe into the wound, when the hard denuded 
bone can be distinctly felt. This condition usually re- 
quires a surgical operation, cutting down upon the 
injured bone, scraping away the diseased part, remov- 
ing any lumps or splinters of bone that may be found, 
bringing the parts together and treating it as a simple 
wound. A solution of one part of peroxid of hydrogen 
to two or three parts of water injected into such a 



224 The Care of Animals 

sore oxidizes the dead tissue, destroys the pus and 
cleans up the bone nicely, without injuring or irritat- 
ing the living tissues. When injected, this medicine 
should cause the sore to foam like soda-water if pus 
is present. 



On either side of the foot of the horse, at the top 
of the hoof and close to the heel, can be, felt a piece 
of cartilage. These are the ^'lateral cartilages." These 
allow the fatty frog and soft tissues of the heel to 
expand as the horse brings his weight on his foot. 
In heavy draft horses especially, there is a tendency 
for these cartilages to turn to bone, causing a condition 
known as "side -bones." These side -bones can be felt 
as a hard piece of bone in the place of the cartilages, 
and can not be bent with the fingers. In heavy draft 
horses or those not used for driving on the road, side- 
bones are of little importance, as they seldom interfere 
with the animal in any way. In horses intended for driv- 
ing, side-bones may cause lameness, and such animals 
are considered unsound. The only treatment for this 
condition is to have the side -bones removed by a surgi- 
cal operation. 

SOFTENING OF BONES 

In animals, especially when young, there frequently 
occurs a softening of the bone, which allows them to 
bend and become deformed. This deformity may also 
occur in young animals when the body is unusually 
heavy, and they attempt to walk before the legs are 



Softening and Hardening of Bones 225 

strong enough to sustain the weight well. The con- 
dition is most frequently observed in heavy-bodied 

puppies. The treatment for softening of the bone is 

* 
to give liberally of foods containing mineral matter, 

such as meats, a little ground "green" bone, bran and 
lime-water. Milk is also excellent. Especial atten- 
tion should be given to keeping up the general health 
of the animal. 

BRITTLE BONES 

Bones naturally grow more brittle with advancing 
age, but abnormal brittleness may occur in young ani- 
mals, — due to an abnormal amount of mineral matter. 
The causes of this condition are not understood, but 
it is generally believed to be due to some defect in 
nutrition. Medicinal treatment does not seem to be 
of benefit. The diet should be carefully looked after, 
the bowels kept open, and the general health promoted 
by a variety of food, fresh air, sufficient exercise and 
sunlight. 

CARTILAGE TURNING TO BONE 

As animals grow old and the bone becomes brittle, 
there is a tendency for the cartilage or "gristle" of the 
body to ossif3^ or turn into bone. This condition some- 
times occurs in young animals. There is little help for 
it; the only treatment is to look carefully after the 
animal's diet, and supply food and water that contain 
little salts of lime. Rain-water is usually preferable to 
well- or spring- water for this purpose. Bran and 
animal foods should be avoided as much as possible. 

o 



226 The Care of Animals 

OSTEOPOROSIS 

This is a disease of horses, and is commonly known 
as "big head." In some regions it is rather prevalent, 
while in other regions it is rarely seen. This fact is 
explained by the presence or absence in the soil, water 
or food of some substance which is important in the 
growth and nutrition of bone. The disease is probably 
associated with the salts of lime. 

Osteoporosis is an absorption and softening of the 
bony structure. The bone becomes increased in size, 
but lighter in weight, and very porous or spongy. The 
disease is usually first observed in the bones of the 
head. The bones of the face become enlarged, giving 
the face a full, rounded appearance. The lower jaw- 
bones become enlarged ; later, the legs are affected. 
The bones may be slightly inflamed, somewhat tender 
upon manipulation, and locomotion may be interfered 
with. As the disease progresses, the animal falls away 
rapidly in flesh. 

The treatment for this trouble consists in the use 
of tonic medicines, combined with a variety of nour- 
ishing foods, and hygienic surroundings. Once the 
disease is well established, treatment is of little avail. 

BONY ENLARGEMENTS 

Bony bunches, or enlargements, are technically known 
as "exostoses." They may occur at any point on a bone, 
but are most frequently found and are most serious in 
the region of a joint. An exotosis, "or bony bunch," is 



Spavin 227 

usually a result of inflammation of the part, which, in 
turn, is an effort of nature to overcome an injury or a 
disease. In many cases, after the disease or injury is 
cured, the bunch is absorbed and the part returns to 
its normal size. The absorption of bony bunches can 
frequently be assisted by the application of light blis- 
ters to the parts. When a bony bunch occurs at a 
joint and welds the bones together, the joint is said 
to be "anchylosed," (page 222) and remains perma- 
nently stiff. 

BONE SPAVIN 

A bone spavin is an inflammation of some of the 
bones forming the hock-joint of the horse, usually 
followed by a bunch or exostosis, which causes anchy- 
losis, or welding together of the bones of the joint. 
Bone spavins occur on the inside of the joint, slightly 
to the front. There are two kinds, commonly recog- 
nized according to their location, the high spavin, and 
the low or " jack " spavin. The high spavin is 
usually the more serious, as the joint affected is more 
important and more motion takes place there. 

The causes of bone spavin may be divided into (1) 
the predisposing, which includes a bad conformation or 
a hereditary tendency, and (2) the exciting, such as 
strains or injuries which are direct causes Horses with 
rough, coarse hocks or with hock-jomts that are 
either too straight or too bent or crooked, are liable 
to spavin. There is also an hereditary tendency often 
transmitted from the sire or dam to the offspring. 
There is a frequently expressed opinion among farmers 



228 The Care of Animals 

that a ring -boned or spavined mare ^^will do to raise 
colts from," but she is very likely to transmit a similar 
tendenc}^ to her colts. Horses suffering from ring-bones 
or spavins should not be bred, unless these diseases were 
evidently" of accidental origin or the animal is particu- 
larly valuable for breeding purposes. 

One of the exciting causes of spavins is hard or fast 
work, especially in young horses. Most cases of spavin 
occur in horses under eight years of age. Spavins may be 
caused by strains, blows and injuries to the joint, espe- 
cially the concussion or jar that comes from fast driving 
on hard roads. Another cause is allowing the hoof to 
wear unevenly, so that too great a strain is brought 
on the hock -joint, especially on the inside. The feef 
of colts should be examined frequently before they are 
shod, and any inequalities removed, so that the foot 
shall be kept level. 

There is a lameness that is very characteristic of 
spavin, but it is difficult to describe. The horse has 
a peculiar, "spavined" gait, — a slight hitch in the 
affected leg and a sudden dropping on the well one as 
he travels. The lameness is most pronounced when the 
horse first starts out. After going some distance, the 
lameness maj^ largely disappear, and the horse is said 
to "warm out" of it. In traveling, the horse steps 
on the toe of the affected foot, usually wearing away 
the toe of the hoof or shoe very rapidly. If a spav- 
ined horse is driven rapidly until thoroughly warm, 
when cooled he is unusually stiff and lame in the 
spavined leg. If the hock -joint of the affected leg is 
flexed to its utmost, by carrying the foot forward and 



Spavin 



229 



as high as possible, then held in this position for a 
few minutes, and then the horse is started at once into 
a sharp trot, the lameness will 
be found to be more severe. 

A careful examination of the 
inside of the hock- joint, either by 
feeling or comparing it with the 
other joint, will show an enlarge- 
ment, or bunch, that may vary 
in size, according to circum- 
stances. The size of the bunch 
does not indicate the severity of 
the disease. The most severe 
cases of spavin (occult) may oc- 
cur without any bunch or eu- 
largement. When standing, the 
horse usually rests the spavined 
leg by carrying the foot slightly 
forward and bending the hock- 
joint a little. Figs. 43, 44. 

In treating spavius, the ob- 
ject is to hasten the welding to- 
gether of the joints. In order 
to do this, all movement in the 
joint is to be stopped as far as 
possible. If the joint is badly 
inflamed, reduce the inflammation 
by fomentations of hot water, ap- 
plied two or three times daily for twenty minutes at a 
time. A high -heeled shoe should be applied, to prevent 
straining the joint. The heel of the shoe should be 




Fig. 43. Bone-spavin, shown 
at tlie arrow. 



230 



Tlif Care of Animals 



raised about an inch, the inside calk being lower, in 
order to throw most of the weight on the outside of 
the joint. After the acute inflammation has subsided, 
a sharp blister should be applied, covering an area of 
at least three inches in diameter over the spavin A 
"red blister" is usually preferred. The blister may 
cause the exostosis to increase in size for a time, but 
this is not to be feared. The blister 
may be repeated in three or four weeks. 
After the blister has been applied, a run 
at pasture is excellent, the high-heel 
shoe being left on. In bad cases, it is 
often a good plan to "fire" the spavin 
at once. In firing a spavin, the usual 
plan is to "feather" or "line" fire 
clear around the joint ; then to put a 
few punctures in the region of the 
bunch, care being taken not to open 
the joint. The essentials to success, in 
treating spavins, are counter- irritation 
and rest. A cured spavin is one in 
which the inflamed joint is firmly 
welded tegether by the bony bunch or 
exostosis, so there is no motion in the 
joint. This stops all irritation, and, as a result, the 
horse goes without limping. A spavined horse is 
always unsound, and an expert can detect such an 
animal, even though a "cured" one, by seeing the ani- 
mal move. Spavins are more successfully treated in 
young animals than in old. In some cases, spavins 
resist all forms of treatment and the horse remains 




Fig. 44. Bone-spavin, 
as shown on bones 
of the hock-joint. 



Sprivhi — JRhig-hoiie 231 

seriously and permanently lame. In a majority of 
cases, spavins can be treated successfully, the lameness 
will disappear, and the horse can perform ordinary 
labor with little, if any, inconvenience. 

Occult spavins, when there is no visible bony bunch, 
are difficult to remed3\ After the joint is well knit 
together and the lameness disappears, the exostosis, or 
bunch, will usually be absorbed and disappear. A light 
blister, rubbed on occasionally, will assist in remov- 
ing it. _ -r^«*-, 

Bog -spavin is a very different dis- % 

ease and is separately treated near j / 

the end of this Chapter (page 238). ' ■ 

RING-BONE 

This name is applied to the same 
condition as a spavin, except that it 
occurs on the pastern -joint, rarely 
the coffin -joint, on any one of the 
four legs. There is inflammation of ^''imiiwiiiii '>^ 
the joint, followed by exostosis, and rig. 45. Ring-bone on bones 

T, , II' IT / of the pastern-joint. 

usually by anchylosis, or welding to- 
gether of the large and small pastern -bones. In many 
cases there is no "ring" of bone around the joint, only 
a bony bunch at one or on both sides of the joint. Figs. 
45 and 46. The predisposing causes of ring-bone are 
long, oblique or very short straight pasterns. There 
may be, also, an hereditary tendency to the disease. 
The exciting causes are practically the same as those of 
spavins, — sprains, injuries and concussion. Ring-bone 




232 



The Care of Animals 



is sometimes caused by a sharp -shod horse stepping 

on its mate so as to injure the joint. 

The symptoms of ring-bone are severe lameness, 

with inflammation of the joint as shown by heat, pain 

and swelling. These symp- 
toms are followed by a bony 
bunch, thrown out usually 
toward the side of the joint; 
or the exostosis may form a 
ring nearly around the joint. 
The treatment for ring- 
bone is the same as that for 
"spavin, except that firing is 
to be resorted to earlier. 
Ring-bones occur on a much 
more important joint than the 
spavins. More motion takes 
place at the pastern -joint, 
and as a result ring-bones 
are more difficult to cure. 
The treatment, as commonly 
expressed by horsemen, is to 
"fire, blister and turn out to 
is welded together, the ring- 
A horse having a ring-bone, 



Pl\ 




i ' 1 








^B ' £ ''JKI 


"v 




r 


lMHMaBaP\i;^M 


K 


^|Wl 


\ 



Fig. 46. 
Ring-bone enlargement. 



grass." When the joint 

bone is said to be cured. 

even though he is cured, has a decided limp, owing to 

the welding together of the bones of such an important 

joint. Such animals are useful only for performing 

slow work. 



Splint in fforses 233 

BIG -KNEE AND OTHER ENLARGEMENTS 

Big-knee in horses is comparable with ring-bone or 
spavin, except that it occurs at the knee-joint. There 
is inflammation, followed by a bony bunch, or exostosis, 
and often by anchylosis. Firing, a blister and rest 
comprise the best treatment. Horses affected in this 
way are of little value. 

Inflammation followed by exostosis and anchjdosis 
may occur at almost any joint in the body. The symp- 
toms and treatment are practically the same as for 
ring-bone, spavins and big -knee. 



SPLINT 

A "splint" is an exostosis occurring on the inside of 
the fore leg below the knee, between the splint-bone 
and the cannon-bone. It rarely occurs on the out- 
side, or on the hind leg, and such cases are prob- 
ably due to an injury. Splints are rather common in 
young horses, especially colts, but unless they are 
close to the knee so that inflammation is liable to 
extend to the knee-joint, they are usually of little im- 
portance, except for the blemish that the bunch causes. 
In some cases there may be persistent lameness asso- 
ciated with the splint. Such animals are considered 
to be unsound. 

The splint-bone on the inside of the fore leg is a 
small bone attached to the side of the cannon-bone 
by means of ligaments. On the top of this splint- 
bone rests one of the bones of the knee. Any severe 



234 The Care of Ammah 

strain or concussion has a tendency to split the splint- 
bone loose from the cannon-bone. To stop any move- 
ment that may take place between these two bones, 
nature throws out an exostosis to weld them together. 
When this is accomplished, the bones are held firmly 
in their normal position and the splint is cured. 

When splints are first forming there is usually lame- 
ness, though not always. The first symptom usually 
noticed is the appearance of the small bunch on the 
inside of the fore leg. 

Unless there is a marked lameness or the splint is 
large, the best treatment for this trouble is to let it 
alone or to hand -rub thoroughly. The lameness usu- 
ally disappears, and the bunch becomes absorbed. 
When there is marked lameness or a large bunch, a 
light blister rubbed, over the part and repeated in three 
or four weeks is usually sufficient. Tincture of iodine, 
painted on once daily until the skin becomes sore, and 
then withheld a few days, is good. When there is 
much inflammation or a large bunch, puncturing the 
periosteum, or covering of the bone, with a fine -pointed 
knife will often relieve the pressure and stop the lame- 
ness. This operation should be performed by a skilled 
surgeon. 

DISLOCATION OF BONES 

Dislocated bones are commonly said to be '^out-of- 
joint." This condition is comparatively rare in the lower 
animals. Dislocations are caused by violence, severe 
strains, peculiar attitudes and slipping, which produce 
a partial or complete rupture of the strong ligaments 



Ktntrklinfj and SHfle 235 

which bind the bones together at a joint. Partial dis- 
location of joints are more frequent, especially so in 
young ''loose -jointed" colts. 

Knuckling 

A partial dislocation occurring at the fetlock -joint 
in colts is commonly called "knuckling." It may be 
so severe that the colt is unable to walk to any extent. 
It is most frequently seen in suckling colts. If taken 
in time, and properl}^ treated, it will usually be out- 
grown. If the colt is small, putting on splints of 
wood, leather or similar material, first protecting the 
leg by a flannel bandage, will usually strengthen the 
part, and prevent the joint from doubling over and 
becoming sore from striking the ground. Foals will 
outgrow and make good recoveries from bad cases of 
knuckling. In older horses the tendency to double 
over at the fetlock -joints can usually be corrected by 
shoeing in such manner as to throw the fetlock -joint 
backward. Aged horses, or horses that have been 
subjected to severe exertions from fast driving, may 
knuckle over at the fetlock -joints, particularly of the 
hind leg, from a contraction of the tendons. This 
condition is commonly called a "cocked ankle." Such 
eases may be remedied somewhat by shoeing. 

Stifle 

A dislocation of the patella, commonly called the 
"stifle" bone (corresponding to the knee-cap of man), 
is the most frequent dislocation in animals. A horse 



236 The Care of Animals 

so afflicted is commonly said to be "stifled." In this 
condition the stifle -bone slips to the outside of the 
stifle-joint, and the horse is unable to move the hind 
leg to any extent, especially in bringing it forward. 

The causes of this trouble are external violence, 
especially slipping when the animal is getting up in 
the stable. It most frequently affects loose -jointed 
colts that are pastured on hilly or gravelly pastures. 
A "stifled" animal can scarcely move. The hind leg 
on the affected side usually stands backward with the 
toe resting on the ground, the animal being unable 
to bring it forward. The muscles of the leg seem to 
be cramped and slightly swollen. There is a lump or 
swelling on the outside and a little below the stifle- 
joint. If the animal is foi"ced to move, it goes on three 
legs, dragging the injured leg. 

The treatment consists in replacing the stifle -bone 
and keeping it in its normal position. Sometimes a 
sudden movement on the part of the animal, such as 
would follow a sharp cut with the whip, will cause 
the bone to slip back into place of its own accord. 
The better method is to fasten a rope or strap around 
the affected leg below the fetlock-joint, and while an 
assistant draws the leg forward the operator pushes 
the stifle -bone forward and inward, causing it to slip 
into place with a well-defined "cluck." The horse 
should be kept standing for forty-eight hours, with 
the affected leg kept well forward by tying the rope 
or strap that is around the fetlock through the collar. 
A sharp fly-blister should be placed on the outside of 
the stifle-joint. The horse should be allowed gentle 



stifle 237 

exercise in a level pasture, or given very light work 
until the ruptured ligaments have thoroughly healed 
and the parts contracted. 

Stifle may become chronic; that is, the stifle -bone 
may slip out very frequently. In bad cases it may 
slip out or in of its own accord nearly qyqyj time the 
animal steps. The treatment for these chronic cases is 
not satisfactory. A stifle shoe can be applied to pre- 
vent the animal from getting the foot too far backward. 
This consists in welding a piece of iron to the shoe 
and allowing it to extend forward, the end being turned 
upward. Repeated applications of light blisters, and 
rest or gentle exercise, give the best results. 

Dislocation of the Neck 

A partial dislocation of the neck is sometimes caused 
by the animal's becoming entangled in the tie -rope and 
being thrown in such a manner as to double the neck 
under the bodj' . In rare cases the neck may be com- 
pletely dislocated and the animal still live. In the 
partial dislocation the head is twisted around to one 
side and remains in that position, the animal being 
unable to move it to any extent. Sometimes the 
difficulty is purely muscular, caused by a paralysis of 
the muscles from lying too long in a cramped position. 
Bathing the affected muscles with hot water, and rub- 
bing them well, is usually sufficient to enable the animal 
to gradually recover the use of the muscles. The dis- 
location of the vertebrae is difficult to treat. 



238 The Carp of Animals 

SPRAINS 

A sprain is an injury to a joint caused by violence, 
which produces more or less injury to the ligaments 
binding the bones together and the soft tissues of 
the joint. Sprains usually result from twisting or 
bending of the joint in an unusual direction. 

Severe lameness usually comes on suddenly soon 
after the injury. The joint becomes inflamed, swollen 
and tender, and is usually moved with much difficult3^ 
The animal should be kept quiet. If there is severe 
pain, fomentations of hot water should be applied 
to soften, soothe and relax the part. When the in- 
flammation is severe and persistent, cold applications 
in the form of water or bags of ice are beneficial. 
After the inflammation subsides, if the lameness and 
swelling persist, liniments well rubbed in or a light 
blister will hasten recovery. A part that has been 
severely sprained should have a long period of rest, 
as complete recovery from a sprain is very slow. 

BOG -SPAVIN 

Every true joint contains a lubricating liquid called 
"joint -oil" or synovial fluid. When for any cause this 
joint oil or synovial fluid is secreted in abnormal 
amounts, it causes the soft tissues around the joint 
to bulge outward. When this condition occurs on the 
hock -joint, it is called a "bog- spavin." 

The first symptom is a puffy enlargement on the front 
of the hock-joint, toward the upper and inner part, due 
to a distension of the capsular ligament of the joint by 



Bog -spavin 239 

the synovial fluid. It is fairly common in young large- 
jointed colts, especially of the heavy draft breeds. It 
is usually caused by strains upon the joints, such as 
heavy pulling, or any overwork when the animal is 
too young. It rarely causes lameness; although when 
the bog -spavin is caused* by a severe strain there may 
be lameness resulting from the injury. In colts, bog- 
spavins often disappear by the time they are three 
years old. 

The treatment is to cause the synovial flnid to be 
absorbed. This can usually be done by pressure and 
cold, applied to the outside of the joint by means of 
wet bandages. Before putting on the bandages, hand- 
rubbing the part will often cause much of the fluid to 
be absorbed. Tincture of iodine may be painted on 
the part, or iodine ointment rubbed in once daily. 
When the part begins to get sore this treatment should 
be withheld for a few days. A small amount of red 
blister rubbed over the spavin sometimes proves benefi- 
cial, but severe blisters should be avoided. A spring 
truss is made, to be applied to the spavin for an hour 
or two twice daily. This truss, by exerting pressure, 
causes the fluid to be absorbed. Bog -spavins should 
never be opened with a knife. In cases of long stand- 
ing or in aged horses treatment is unsatisfactory. 

WIND -PUFFS 

A wind-puff is a condition similar to bog-spavin, 
except that it does not occur on a joint, but usually 
between tendons where small sacks, containing synovial 



240 The Care of Animals 

fluid or joint-oil, are situated, to lubricate the tendons 
as they play over each other. Wind- puffs are usually 
located on either side of the leg, more particularly on 
the outer side just above the fetlock- joint, between 
the back tendons and the bone. They are noticed as 
rounded or elongated puffy enlargements that feel as 
if they might contain air. They are usually found on 
horses that have been subjected to severe exertions, 
especially to fast work. Wind -puffs seldom interfere 
seriously with a horse's ordinary work, but they are a 
serious blemish, and as an animal grows older they are 
likely to become more marked. In rare cases, the joint- 
oil which they contain may solidify into hard masses. 
The treatment for wind -puffs is the same as for 
bog-spavins, — iodine, either as a tincture or ointment, 
hand-rubbing and pressure. Some cases can be suc- 
cessfully treated by drawing off the synovial or joint- 
oil, bj^ means of a hypodermic syringe, and injecting 
a solution of iodine. This should be attempted only 
under the direction of a well -qualified person. 

THOROUGH -PIN 

A thorough -pin is a puffy enlargement occurring 
half-way between the point of the hock and the front of 
the hock-joint. It is the same condition as a wind-puff, 
— a soft puffy enlargement occurring both on the inside 
and the outside of the leg, in the hollow just in front of 
the large tendons which are inserted in the point of 
the hock. By gentle pressure, the synovial fluid can 
be pressed through from one side to the other; hence 



Curhwg in Horses 241 

the name, "thorough -pin." The causes and treatment 
are the same as for wind -puffs. A pad or truss is also 
made that can be applied as for a bog -spavin. 

CURB 

A curb is a bulging or thickening of the ligaments 
and other tissues on the back part of the hock, just 
below the point, giving to that part a curved, bulging 
outline instead of the straight line that is normally 
presented when the hock is viewed from one side. 

Some horses' hocks, because of their rough, weak 
appearance, are called by horsemen "curby" hocks. 
They seem to show predisposition to this disease. The 
exciting causes are severe strains on the hock-joint, 
such as may occur bj' heavy pulling, and especially 
by rearing and jumping. Such movements are often 
spoken of by horsemen as liable to "spring a curb." 

There is usually lameness, associated with some 
inflammation, at the back part of the hock, followed 
by the appearance of a bunch, or thickening, of that 
part. The lameness frequently disappears, but the 
enlargement persists, leaving a blemish more or less 
marked. An animal having a curb is always unsound, 
being unfitted for fast work. But this lameness may 
not seriously interfere with his usefulness as an ordinary 
work -horse. 

In treating curb, the horse should have rest and a 
high -heeled shoe on the foot of the affected leg. Mild 
counter-irritants, in the form of liniments, tincture of 
iodine or iodine ointment, or light blisters applied to 



242 Tht Care of Animals 

the part, are of assistance in curing the lameness and 
removing the enlargement. Should this treatment fail, 
firing with a fine puncturing -iron must be resorted to. 

KNEE -SPRUNG 

This is most frequent in aged horses that have 
been subject to severe work, especially upon the road. 
It is a condition in which the knees are bent or sprung 
slightly forward, owing to a contraction of the tendons 
which pass down the back of the leg. It may occur 
in young horses as a deformity or as the result of an 
injury. When the trouble is very slight it can some- 
times be remedied by using a thin heel -shoe, and em- 
ploying hand -rubbing with a mild liniment to the back 
tendons. Well-marked or chronic cases will require the 
cutting of one or both of the back tendons. This 
operation should be performed only by a skilled 
surgeon. 

BREAKING -DOWN 

In horses that are used for racing or are otherwise 
subjected to severe exertion, the ligaments which pass 
down over the fetlock-joints become ruptured, allowing 
the joints to fall nearly to the ground as the horse 
puts his weight upon them. If the rupture is severe 
there is little hope of recovery, although the animal 
can often get about fairly well and can be used for 
breeding purposes. When the rupture of the ligaments 
is slight, rest, a light blister to the part and a brace 
attached to the shoe, will often enable the ruptured 



Injured Tendons 243 

parts to unite so that the horse can do light work; 
but an animal that has suffered from a partial rupture 
of the ligaments should never again be subjected to 
severe work. 

RUPTURED TENDONS 

Owing to severe exertion, the tendons of the legs, 
especialh" the back tendons, may be completely or par- 
tially ruptured. There is usually severe lameness 
in the injured tissues, associated with swelling and 
inflammation. In treating the parts, the inflammation 
should flrst be reduced by the application of hot or 
cold water, wet bandages being applied lightly to re- 
lieve the strain. After the swelling has subsided, 
liniments or light blisters can be used. The parts 
should not be subjected to severe strains afterward. 



CHAPTER XI 

DISEASES OF THE ALIMENTARY TRACT AND OF 
THE DIGESTIVE FUNCTION 

The digestive system includes the mouth, throat, 
esophagus or gullet, stomach and intestines, with the 
glands which pour their secretions into this tract, such 
as the liver, salivary glands and pancreas. 

The differences in the mouths of animals are very 
marked. In the horse the soft palate, or curtain between 
the mouth and the throat cavity, is long, and is so 
constructed that it prevents the horse from breathing 
through the mouth. Cattle and sheep have no incisors, 
or front teeth, on the upper jaw, but, instead, a pad 
of cartilage against which the lower incisor teeth close 
in biting grass. In pigs the teeth are set in a con- 
tinuous row in the upper and lower jaws. In horses 
there is an interdental space between the incisors and 
the molars or grinders. In male horses there is in 
this space a single canine or "bridle" tooth. These 
are also found occasionally in mares. 

The stomach of the horse is rather small and the 
bowels are capacious. In ruminants — those animals 
which chew the cud, such as the cow and sheep — there 
are four stomachs. The first is the rumen or paunch, 
which lies on the left side. In adult cattle it has a 

(244) 



The Alimentary Tract 245 

capacity of about fifty gallons. Openino' from the 
rumen at its anterior extremity is a small cavity, 
the reticulum, commonly called the "honeycomb" on 
account of the peculiar structure of the lining mem- 
brane. It is very common to find foreign bodies, 
nails, etc., in this cavity after death. The next stomach 
is the omasum, or "manyplies," or "manifolds," situ- 
ated to the riglit of the rumen and well forward. 
The omasum is made up of a large nnmber of folds, 
like the leaves of a book, and between these leaves the 
food lodges, and is partly digested. In this stomach 
the food is always rather dry and firm. The next and 
true stomach is the abomasum. This is situated just 
behind the manifolds and to the right of the rnmen. 
The lining membrane of the stomach is arranged in 
loose folds, which run lengthwise. In examining ani- 
mals a few hours after death, it is usual to find the 
lining membrane of the rumen and omasum peeling off 
readily over large areas. This is due to the action 
of the digestive juices, which begin after death to digest 
the stomachs themselves. In the horse there is no 
bile -cyst or gall-bladder in the liver, as there is in 
cattle and pigs. Other differences in structure of 
the alimentary canal are of comparatively small im- 
portance. 

In dealing with diseases of the digestive system, it 
should always be remembered that most of them are 
caused by improper food or feeding, and these sources 
of trouble should be carefullv scrutinized. 



246 Tlie Care of Animals 

SORE MOUTH 

Sore mouth in domestic animals usually results from 
injuries, irritating foods, or germs of dise-ase which 
gain entrance, grow, and cause canker sores on the 
membranes or tongue. Among other causes may be 
mentioned irritating medicines that burn the mouth, 
harsh bits, projecting molars, or diseased teeth. 

The first symptom of sore mouth is usually a dis- 
inclination, or inability, to eat properly, especially of 
coarse food. The horse may "gaunt up,'' and in some 
cases there is a discharge of saliva, either watery or 
frothy, and sometimes the tongue is swollen so that it 
protrudes from the mouth. 

The first thing to be done is to remove the cause, 
if it can be determined. The animal should have soft 
food, gruels, milk and mashes. The mouth should 
be thoroughly washed out with warm water and a mild 
healing lotion applied with a sponge or soft cloth: a 
strong solution of alum, or tincture chlorid of iron, 
two teaspoonfuls to one -half pint of water. These 
can be applied three times daily. Allowing the animal 
to lick a little salt three times daily is also excellent. 
Corrosive sublimate or other poisonous remedies should 
not be used, except under competent advice, as there 
is danger of poisoning. 

Infectious Bore Mouth of Cattle 

This disease attacks cattle of all ages, and appears 
to be contagious, although it does not spread rapidlj^; 
often only one or two cases will occur in a large herd. 



J* ^/sm 'tm^jmfi^ % ^/x^ ^ma^ (^oMIe rmttm^ i/^^^^^Atei^ 

the §t^ #ri^M«4Hi mm^tsf ^^^^^f^ ^ m^tMif ^ 
/mttiif^^imtifm i/^ esA. There m ^h«t n^ pt^me Sm^tast^ 
of mlh» Ihd 4n^ if^^m i^ m^^^t^. - •^%'. 4»ie 

■'* the ^^jft^mg (A Une ^^» aM4 i0m^'-. .. Septemtei 

•vyfi^ Mi>i,ei^ ^m the ^p^**!^ ^ Hite hpm amd dbdfci^ ^m 
»^^1 m 4m i%e i/m'pm. %mim ^»A |)a«<l ^4 - •• jaw. 

'■■ '-'^■^^ enm^ the tk^tte 4^---- ■'•- ^'- .^:. ,.:. ^tiA 

.^ . ,; „., .'.;.j:; a#«? taw Mi4 mfk-. . . />li/*«» 

>Jii» » fit& ji«». I« mjme emm ihe Wfim^ sue te- 

P^j^te4 U* ^fe m exf-emme tl«rit ihe teeih dmp md:;, m 

^4het%'^ the tm^^tm m ^w^Ser- --.'. ^^-.^■'-.^'it- i^^ ^ ptt^ 

'^nAen intm the imjmih. A.^ v the mmmem 

■ "^mth tipette fe tuMMH»m>»^j^ w the ftm, 
. ■: , . ; afiP*; htA Up tU**? ifmt^^ saA tetader pj* wsiSk .^■,.-.. 
:^ the mthmi uppestrs^ m $lllf m the if/te h^ ihatt 
^ esM nmfre mtly with HtMeakf. Thete m ^ ieretr 
sieef/mpMffm^ the ^lm:me^ the iempefsitm^ tkm^ m 
mmt esme»^ i^ 1^^ F. AU mtmtsik^ 1M sma^ rmi^ 
m fh:!^h heestme ^ their ittsHAIkf pjf estt^ mmH ir, 
ihe tmUc l^fW n \emet»ed, 

^idir mnms^ i^hmM he hs^isiied imm the head amd 
fed mt »At^ nuiri^jftm ifp^^. m^ am ^^^^^es^. firael^ 
ausfd tiie Jil&*j. If Mt m psii^tme» ihef wuar?- i^^mre. he- 
eatme they esmmA eaA. 

The mmtth db«i]4 1i^ mtrM^ed m^t tw^ m i^kree 
Htnenn 4mly with m mim^ed (M that WMter tnB ^b»- 
■ '-Are'^ mAtAMfu fA hm»%^ stpfAml wkh m ifprnt^ or »At 



248 The Care of Animals 

cloth. The solution of a tablespoonful of alum dis- 
solved in a pint of water is also excellent. 

Practically all cases make a good recovery if they 
are cared for and carefully fed. The greatest loss is 
due to the falling away in flesh. Milk from affected 
cows should not be used for human food, nor fed to 
calves. This disorder is not the contagious foot-and- 
mouth disease of Europe, an account of which will be 
found in Chapter XVI. 

DISEASED AND ABNORMAL TEETH 

All domestic animals are subject to diseases of the 
teeth, but horses are most frequently affected. Com- 
mon difficulties are decayed and ulcerated teeth ; while 
split or broken, and irregular or projecting teeth cause 
much trouble. In horses and cattle, there is a constant 
wearing away of the molars, or "grinders." This keeps 
the edges sharp so the food can be ground properly. 
If, for any reason, a tooth does not come into proper 
contact with its opposite, there is nothing to wear it 
away. As a result, it grows out long, and often strikes 
and lacerates the soft tissues of the opposite jaw (Fig. 
48) . This causes severe pain and interferes seriously with 
the animal's eating. When the front teeth, or incisors, 
of horses do not come evenly together, it will be found 
that the lower jaw is drawn too far back. This causes 
the back parts of the upper incisors to be worn away 
and the front edges to shut over the lower ones, like 
a parrot's bill; hence the term, "parrot-mouth." Fig. 47. 
The symptoms of diseased teeth are: difficulty in chew- 




Diseased Teeth 249 

ing the food, which is shown by holding the head on 
one side; "quidding" the food, that is, chewing up 
quids and spitting them out; and "driving on one line." 
Frequently an animal will stop eating 
suddenly ; or, when drinking cold 
water, will stop and slobber the water, 
evincing pain. In many cases of dis- 
eased molars, the saliva has a disagree- 
able, fetid odor. 

When there is much difficulty and 
pain in eating, the animal falls away 
in flesh. In horses that are subject ^^s-^^- Parrot-mouth, 
to attacks of colic or indigestion the teeth should 
alwaj's be examined, as the trouble may be due to 
improper mastication of the food. When the roots 
of molars are ulcerated, the swelling often breaks 
and discharges pus from an opening on the side of 
the face or the bottom of the lower jaw; these open- 
ings rarely heal permanently until the ulcerated tooth 
is removed. 

Ulcerated, decayed, split and badly broken teeth 
should be extracted with forceps, never punched out, 
as the latter method is likely to break the tooth, leaving 
pieces of the roots in the jaw, where they cannot be 
removed and are a source of much trouble. It is 
sometimes necessary, however, to trephine or cut a 
hole through the jaw-bone, and then punch the 
tooth out. After such an operation, only milk and 
gruels should be allowed for ten days, as solid food is 
liable to get into the wound and keep it from healing. 
In all cases of removal of a tcoth, the opposite tooth 



250 



The Care of Auinials 



should be filed off at least once a year. A parrot- mouth 
should be kept filed off level. Irregular aud projecting 
teeth should be cut off or filed off with a "float," until 
even with the rest of the set. 

In horses and cattle, however, the "table," or grind- 




Fig. 48. Projecting moliirs of horse. 

ing surface of the teeth, is naturally rough and sharp. 
It should not be filed except to remove prominent 
irregularities. 

Horses' teeth should be carefully examined and 
attended to at least once a year. The practice of itin- 
erant "veterinary dentists," of "fixing" them whether 
they need it or not, is bad. These fellows often do 
horses more harm than good. 



Wolf-teeth (md Cnhhinrj 251 

WOLF -TEETH 

" Wolf - teeth " are small extra molars, frequentl}^ 
found in front of the first grinders on the upper, and 
rarely on the lower, jaw of horses. They are believed 
to be rudimentary molars, pointing us back to pre- 
historic horses, fossil remains of which are found with 
teeth extending in an unbroken row around the jaws. 
Probably one -half the horses under seven years of age 
have them. There is a popular idea that wolf -teeth 
make a horse go blind, but this is not true. They 
have no more connection with a horse's eyes than an}- 
other teeth do. 

It is a good plan to have wolf -teeth drawn (not 
punched out), as they are of no use to the animal and 
a bit may draw against them and make the mouth sore. 
When these teeth are punched out, the roots are likely 
to break off and remain in the jaw, and become a source 
of irritation. 

CRIBBING 

Cribbing, or "crib -biting," is a habit that some 
horses have of grasping some object, biting it lightly, 
and at the same time contracting the muscles of the 
neck and emitting a peculiar grunt, frequently sucking 
in air at the same time. Such horses are called "wind- 
suckers." Sometimes the horse will simply press the 
incisor teeth against the object; and, in rare cases, he 
will arch the neck and suck air without biting anything. 
Cribbing is a habit or vice. In chronic cases, the front 




252 The Care of Animals 

edges of the incisor teeth become beveled by repeated 
biting. Fig. 49 

It is seldom that a horse will crib on iron. By 
covering mangers and other stable fittings with iron, 
the horse will cease cribbing in the stall. 
A box -stall without manger or projecting 
wood will prevent the horse cribbing in the 
stable. In ordinary cases, a broad strap, 
buckled firmly about the neck, will stop 
cribbing. The strap should be carefully 
adjusted, so it will be just tight enough to 
Incisor teeth of a prcvcut the coutractiou of the muscles of 
badcribber. j^j^^g nQok. The strap should be removed 
when the horse is in use. Sawing or wedging the 
incisor teeth is a bad practice, as it stops the habit 
only while the teeth are sore. The membrane attach- 
ing the tongue to the floor of the mouth is frequently 
cut to stop cribbing, but its effects are usually tem- 
porary. 

PAROTIDITIS 

This is an inflammation of the parotid gland. There 
are two of these glands, one on either side of the neck, 
just below the ear. A contagious disease of similar 
glands in man is known as mumps. 

Parotiditis may be produced by injuries to the 
glands. In some cases, it may be caused by the throat- 
strap being too tight, or from pulling on the halter 
or tie -strap. A sudden change of food, especially of 
pasture, may be the cause. 

Hot fomentations should be used, to reduce the in- 



Diseases of Salivary Glands 253 

flammation. These should be followed by applications 
of iodine ointment, tincture of iodine, or a good, stimu- 
lating liniment, well rubbed in. If there is difficulty in 
swallowing, soft foods, gruels and milk should be given. 
In rare cases, the gland suppurates, or "gathers." As 
soon as pus can be felt, an opening should be made, — 
ver}^ carefully, as there are important blood-vessels in 
this region. The pus should be washed out, and mild 
antiseptics injected, such as a solution of bichlorid of 
mercury (one part to 1,000 parts of water), or a three 
per cent solution of carbolic acid. 

SALIVARY CALCULUS 

The duct that carries the saliva from the gland to 
the mouth passes under the jaw, winds outward over 
the lower jaw-bone and empties opposite the third 
molar. Sometimes a hard mass, or concretion, com- 
posed of salts of lime, called a "calculus," forms in the 
duct, and stops the saliva from passing into the mouth. 

The calculus may be removed by working it out into 
the mouth, or a surgical operation may be required. 
Great care must be taken in the latter case to prevent a 
fistula forming, which will allow the saliva to escape on 
the outside, instead of into the mouth. When such 
fistul£e do form, it is often necessary to destroy the 
gland by injecting iodine or nitric acid into it through 
the duct. 

SALIVATION, OR SLOBBERING 

This is an excessive discharge of saliva from the 
mouth. It is frequently seen in horses, cattle and 



254 The Care of Animals 

dogs. It is usually associated with nausea and vomiting. 
In dogs, it is one symptom of dumb rabies. Salivation 
may be caused by bad food, drugs, sore mouth, fre- 
quently by bad teeth, or by choking and parab^sis of 
some parts of the head or throat. 

In all cases the cause of the difficulty should be 
carefully sought and removed. When the gland is dis- 
eased iodine should be applied, either as the tincture, 
painted on, or as the ointment, rubbed in.> Iodide of 
potassium in one -dram doses, once daily, is excellent 
for horses and cattle when there is paralysis. It should 
not be given longer than four days. 

SORE THROAT 

Sore throat is an irritation or inflammation of the 
pharynx or the larjmx. It may result from irritating 
substances swallowed, or it may be caused by bacteria 
growing on the surface or within the mucous membrane 
which lines these cavities. Sore throat is often asso- 
ciated with some acute disease, such as distemper or 
influenza in colts and horses. 

The most prominent and common symptoms of sore 
throat are inability to swallow, especially coarse foods, 
except with difficulty. In drinking, more or less water 
will run out through the nose. The animal carries the 
head with the nose protruded, and there is frequently 
a cough, either dry or moist. The throat is frequently 
swollen on the outside and is tender under manipula- 
tion. 

Give soft foods and gruels, as for sore mouth; apply 



Sore Throat 



'JLoo 



hot fomentations to the throat, and after drying rub with 
a stimulating liniment twice daih\ When the throat 
begins to get sore on the outside, withhold the treat- 
ment for a few days. Two tablespoonfuls of the solu- 
tion of tincture of iron, recommended for sore mouth 
(page 246), is good for sore throat, and it may be given 
three times daily. A tablespoonful of chlorate of potash 
finely pulverized and made into a paste with molasses 
and flour is excellent. A teaspoonful of the paste 
should be daubed on the back teeth with a small paddle, 
so that the horse will not swallow it all at once; this 
can be given every six hours for a day or two. 

CHOKING 

Choking is a closing of the esophagus w^ith some 
foreign body or from spasm. It occurs most frequently 
in cows, but nearly all domestic animals are subject to it. 

The most frequent cause of choking is the attempt 
to swallow some hard body without crushing it, such 
as an apple, turnip or similar object. In dogs and 
cats, bones are the most frequent cause of choking. 
Horses and cattle are frequently choked by bolting dry 
feed without first thoroughly wetting it with saliva. 
Some animals are predisposed to choke; in such cases 
there is probably a constriction or narrowing of the 
esophagus at the point of obstruction. 

The animal first stops feeding and makes frequent 
attempts at swallowing. Saliva drips from the mouth, 
the neck is arched, and the muscles contracted. A 
horse frequently emits a peculiar shriek. When the 



256 The Care of Animals 

obstruction is located in the horse's chest -cavity there 
are few symptoms except inability to swallow food. 
Dogs and cats often attempt to vomit. In cattle there 
is a tendency to bloat in an hour or so after choking. 

The proper treatment is to remove the obstruction 
by getting it up, if possible; if not, by pushing it 
down. When neither effort is successful, one should 
remove the object by a surgical operation. If the 
obstacle is in the throat outside of the body cavity it 
can usually be seen or felt as a swelling on the left 
side of the neck. In such cases it should be worked 
up to the throat, and while an assistant holds it firmly 
to prevent it from slipping back, the operator should 
reach down the animal's throat and remove the object. 
In the cow and dog this is not difficult; but in the 
horse it is necessary to use a speculum, or other instru- 
ment, to keep the mouth open and to prevent the 
operator from being bitten. If the obstacle cannot 
be removed in this way, it should be pushed down to 
the stomach; frequently, if started slightly from the 
outside, it will pass down without any other assistance. 
Sterilized (boiled) water can often be iujected into the 
mass near its lower border by inserting a hypodermic 
syringe through the tissues from the outside, and thus 
soften and assist in breaking up the mass. 

Where the lump can not be felt in the throat it is 
necessary to push it down with a "probang," a smooth, 
flexible tube or rod, about six feet long. This is in- 
serted through the mouth, and the obstruction gently 
pushed down to the stomach. In the horse, precaution 
should be taken to prevent his biting the probang in 



Choking 257 

two, and swallowing the lower part. When this instru- 
ment cannot be obtained, an excellent substitute is a 
piece of three -fourths or one -inch rubber hose, five or 
six feet long. The hose can be stiffened by drawing 
a piece of rope through it, and cutting it off even 
with the end. If hose is not to be had, a smooth buggy 
whip can be used, passing it down butt end first. 

If the obstacle cannot be gotten either up or down, 
and if it is where it can be reached from the outside, 
the only way left to remove it is by the assistance of 
a good surgeon. The animal should be confined, and 
an incision made through the skin and muscles. This 
incision is pushed to one side, and an incision made 
through the esophagus, or gullet. This is done so 
that the two incisions will not come opposite when 
they are closed. After the incisions are made, and 
the obstacle removed, the parts are washed clean and 
the esophagus closed by sewing with catgut, the 
stitches being taken close together. Afterward, antisep- 
tics are used on the wound, and the outside wound is 
closed by sewing the skin and muscles with silk. It is 
now treated as a simple wound. No solid food should 
be given till the wound heals, as a bad running sore, or 
fistula, is likely to be formed. Sweet milk with raw 
eggs beaten in it is excellent; gruels and mashes may 
be given when the parts have united. 

Horses that are subject to choking on dry food 
should not be allowed to eat rapidly. This can be pre- 
vented by arranging the feed -box so that he can get but 
a small amount at a mouthful. Smooth round stones 
may be placed in the feed -box. Iron feed -boxes are 

Q 



258 The Care of Animals 

especially designed for this purpose. Spreading the 
food out thin in a manger or on the floor will usually 
prevent choking. 

STOMACH STAGGERS 

This disease occurs in horses. It appears to be a 
congestion of the brain, due to an engorged stomach 
and active exercise. The stomach, distended with food, 
presses on the diaphragm, or "midriff," to such an 
extent that when the animal is exercised the action of 
the lungs and heart is interfered with, the brain be- 
comes congested, and the animal partially or completely 
loses consciousness. Some horses are subject to fre- 
quent attacks of this disease; such animals are usually 
greedy feeders. 

The attack usually occurs soon after feeding. The 
horse, on being driven or otherwise exercised violently, 
becomes distressed for breath and perspires freely. 
There is an anxious expression on his countenance. 
He is unwilling or unable to go, even when urged. 
When forced to move, he goes with a staggering gait, 
and stands with his legs braced; sometimes he falls and 
is unable to rise. 

Make the horse as comfortable as possible ; loosen 
the harness so it will not check the circulation of the 
blood; if possible, turn his head toward the wind. 
Blanket the horse warmly, and rub his legs briskly to 
get the blood from the heart and lungs toward the 
outside of the body. Cold water dashed on the head 
is good. Two ounces of essence of Jamaica ginger in 



stomach Staggers 259 

warm water may be given as a drench, and repeated 
in thirty minutes, if necessary. The bowels should be 
emptied by giving an enema, — an injection of warm 
slightly soapy water. After the acute symptoms have 
subsided, a ball of five to eight drams of aloes should 
be given, to move the bowels. In most cases, stomach 
staggers can be prevented by careful feeding and proper 
exercise. 

IMPACTION OF THE RUMEN 

This trouble occurs in cattle, and is due to the filling 
up of the paunch with indigestible material, such as 
weeds, dead grass, pieces of cloth or other foreign 
materials. It is probable that in many cases there is 
indigestion, associated with a depraved appetite, pre- 
ceding the impaction. 

The animal does not eat, but stands around with 
the back slightly arched, the breathing slightly in- 
creased in frequency, and perhaps a slight grunt with 
each respiration ; later, there may be some bloating. 
If the cow lies down, it is usually on the right side. 
The milk secretion is lessened and the cow grinds her 
teeth. A heavy, hard mass can be felt low down on 
the left side. 

Give a mild, stimulating purgative, of three -fourths 
of a pound of Epsom salts and two ounces of ginger 
dissolved in four quarts of warm water, administered 
as a drench. Plenty of water should be given to drink 
and enemas of warm water to move the bowels. If 
the animal will take food, give gruels and soft mashes. 



260 The Care of Animals 

If medicines fail to give relief, the only remedy is to 
perform "rumenotomy" — that is, to cut into the paunch 
and remove its contents through the incision . A skilled 
surgeon should be employed. The animal should be 
confined with the right side to the wall, and the inci- 
sion made on the left side, half way between the point 
of the hip and the last rib, extending downward five 
or six inches. An incision is then made in the rumen, 
a thin cloth being introduced into the wound, to pre- 
vent the material from dropping into the abdominal 
cavity. The contents of the rumen are then removed 
with the hand, the parts washed clean, the rumen well 
sewed up with catgut, the stitches close together, and 
the skin and muscles then sewed. No food should be 
allowed for twenty -four hours following the opera- 
tion, and, after this, only milk and gruels for ten days. 
Coarse food is likely to get into the wound and prevent 
its healing. 

HOVEN, OR BLOATING IN CATTLE 

Hoven is a distension of the paunch, or rumen, with 
gas. It is liable to occur when cattle are pastured on 
clover or alfalfa, especially if the growth is rank, and 
from eating frozen roots or pumpkins, but may occur on 
other kinds of pasture. The tendency to produce bloat- 
ing seems to be greater when the pastures are wet with 
dew or rain, or when the food is frozen. Fermentation 
proceeds rapidly, the gas does not all escape and soon 
distends the rumen to a large size. 

Slight bloating often occurs when cattle are suffering 



Bloat in Cattle 261 

from indigestion, impaction of the rumen with undi- 
gested food, or from choking, but in these cases the gas 
passes away as soon as the cause of the disease is 
removed. 

Bloating is easily recognized from the prominent 
symptoms. The first one is usually that the animal 
stands off by itself and refuses to eat. Upon examina- 
tion, the belly is found to be greatly distended, par- 
ticularly on the left side, that part bulging outward 
and upward like a dome. The animal stands humped 
up and breathes with difficulty, often emitting a grunt 
or moan as it breathes. There is often a dripping of 
saliva from the mouth. There may be colicky pains 
shown by the animal's stepping uneasily about, or kick- 
ing at the belly. The rectum sometimes protrudes, 
owing to the internal pressure of the gas. As the 
bloating increases, the animal may stagger and fall. 
In hoven, the animal may die from suffocation, or, as 
it loses consciousness, it may fall and rupture some of 
the stomachs or other organs subjected to the excessive 
pressure of gas. 

The method of treatment will depend upon the con- 
dition of the animal. If the bloating is severe, so that 
there is danger of the animal's suffocating or falling, 
the side should be tapped at once. This is done after 
confining the animal by tying the head. A small in- 
cision is then made through the skin over the most 
prominent part of the swelling on the left side, about 
half way between the point of the hip and the last rib. 
Two instruments, called a "trocar" and a "canula," are 
then inserted through the hole in the skin, directed 



262 



The Care of Animals 




downward and forward, and pushed into the rumen. 
Fig. 50. The trocar is withdrawn, leaving the canula 
in the opening for the escape of gas. The gas will 
rush out, and often bring with it a small 
amount of partially -digested food. Should the 
gas not escape, push the trocar into the canula, 
to clear out the food. In some cases, it is 
necessary to withdraw the trocar and canula, 
change its direction and insert it again, using 
the same opening in the skin. In the absence 
of a trocar and canula, a pocket-knife can 
be used, care being taken to direct the edge 
of the blade downward, so that, if the animal 
jumps, too large an incision will not be made. 
If the case is not so serious, medicinal re- 
medies will usually give relief. Place a large 
wooden bit, about the size of a fork handle, 
on which some pine tar may be daubed, in 
the mouth and hold it in place by a rope 
back of the horns. After the bit is secured, 
a small handful of salt, thrown well back in 
the mouth, causes the animal to work the tongue, stimu- 
lates the flow of sa*liva, and promotes the regurgitation, 
or gulping up of gas. A piece of tarred rope, tied 
through the mouth and back of the horns, is ex- 
cellent. Turpentine, in two -ounce doses for adult 
cattle, is a good remedy; but it must be well diluted 
with milk, to prevent injuring the animal. Hyposul- 
fite of soda, in ounce doses dissolved in water, is 
good, as is finely pulverized charcoal in heaping table- 
spoonful doses. Cold water may be dashed over the 



Fig. 50. 

Trocar 

and canula 



Bloat in Cattle 263 

body, or cold, wet blankets may be put on and then 
covered with dry blankets. Aromatic spirits of ammo- 
nia, given in ounce doses in water as a drench, is ex- 
cellent. Essence of Jamaica ginger should be used in 
four- ounce doses well diluted with hot water. Common 
baking soda is good, in two-tablespoonful doses in 
water, as a drench. Gentle walking exercise should be 
given. Enemas of warm, soapy water should be given, 
to empty the bowels. 

Since there is danger of bloating in turning cattle 
into luxuriant pasture, they should always be well fed 
with some dry hay or similar food before the change 
is made. Keep them from the pasture until the dew or 
frost is off. In turning cattle on heavy pastures, they 
should gradually become accustomed to the change by 
being turned in for twenty minutes the first day, and 
the time gradually extended each day. Dry hay or 
similar material in such a pasture is excellent to pre- 
vent bloating, as cattle seem to crave it. Animals that 
show a tendency to bloat should be carefully watched, 
as there seems to be some indigestion in most of such 
cases. 

GORGING WITH GRAIN 

It sometimes occurs that animals, especially horses 
and cattle, gain access to quantities of grain and injure 
themselves by eating an excessive amount. Acute 
indigestion, and even death, may follow. 

A purgative should be given at once; for the horse, 
a quart of raw linseed oil, and for cattle either a quart 



264 The Care of Animals 

of oil or three -fourths to a pound of Epsom salts. 
These should be given as drenches. Enemas of warm 
soapy water, or warm water and glycerine, should be 
given, to empty the bowels. Other food should be 
withheld, unless hay or other rough material seems to be 
craved, when a little may be supplied. If the animal 
is thirsty, a small quantity of water can be given from 
time to time until the thirst is quenched. It is best 
not to give too large doses of purgatives, as severe 
purging often follows gorging; the animal being unable 
to digest it, the grain acts as an irritant to the bowels. 
After the acute symptoms have subsided and the diges- 
tive system is free from the excess of grain, the animal 
should be fed sparingly for several days, until the 
alimentary canal has recovered from the severe strain 
to which it has been subjected. 

INDIGESTION IN HORSES 

Indigestion is one of the most common diseases of 
the digestive system of the horse. It may be caused by 
the failure of both the stomach and the small intestine 
to properly digest the food. This brings on abdominal 
pain and general illness that may last for some days. 

Indigestion may be induced by indigestible or bad 
food, by improper feeding, by diseases or injuries to the 
mouth or teeth which prevent the proper mastication 
of the food, by hard work or active exercise soon after 
feeding, or by insufficient exercise. It may also result 
from disease of any organs upon which the process of 
digestion depends. 



Indigestion in Horses 265 

Indigestion may occur either in a mild or an acute 
form. In the mild form the horse refuses his usual 
food, appears sluggish and often lies down, but does 
not seem to suifer acute pain. Frequently, the horse 
will paw the ground and look around toward his flank. 

For mild cases but little treatment is necessary, 
Give a light, laxative diet, and allow the digestive 
system to rest and recuperate for a few days. Bran 
mashes, fresh grass, etc., are usually sufficient. Two- 
ounce doses of Jamaica ginger in a pint of moderately 
hot water, given as a drench three times daily, is 
excellent. If the horse is out of condition, the follow- 
ing tonic "condition" powders may be given in the 
food when he begins to eat : 

Sulfate of iron 2 ounces 

Nitrate of potash (saltpeter) 2 ounces 

Gentian root (pulverized) 2 ounces 

Nux vomica seed (pulverized) 1 ounce 

Ginger root (pulverized) 1 ounce 

These are to be thoroughly pulverized and mixed, 
and a heaping teaspoonful of the mixture given in the 
food three times daily. In case a horse will not eat 
the powder, omit the gentian root and add linseed meal. 

The causes of acute indigestion are the same as for 
the mild form; the symptoms are similar, but more 
severe. The horse suffers much pain, lies down fre- 
quently, paws, looks toward his flank and often stands 
stretched out, as if to pass urine. This position of 
straining, so frequent in indigestion, leads an ordinary 
observer to think that there is some difficulty with the 
urinary passage, — a rare occurrence in horses. In in- 



266 The Care of Animals 

digestion, the pain is usually continuous and moderate, 
not coming on in severe and intermittent attacks, as 
in colic. 

The treatment is the same as for mild indigestion, 
except that the Jamaica ginger dose may be repeated 
every three hours. If the horse is in much pain, an 
ounce of laudanum may be given two or three times 
daily. Laxative and easily digested food, with careful 
exercise, are needed as soon as the horse recovers. 

COLIC IN HORSES 

Indigestion and colic are the most common digestive 
diseases of the horse. Colic occurs in two forms : 
spasmodic, or cramp colic, and flatulent, or wind colic. 

Spasmodic or cramp colic is a violent and painful 
contraction of the muscular coats of the bowels. It 
is usually caused by some irritant in the bowels, such 
as undigested food, or cold water when the horse is 
tired from a long hard drive, exposure to cold which 
chills the animal, a lack of sufficient exercise, sudden 
changes of diet, especially from dry to green food, or 
a large amount of bulky, indigestible food in the 
bowels. 

The pain comes on suddenly and is severe. The 
horse stops, points toward the flank with his nose, 
kicks at his belly, or throws himself down violently 
and rolls. The breathing is rapid, the pulse -beats are 
increased in number and the animal sweats profusely. 
The temperature may go up a degree or two as a result 
of the pain and exercise. In standing, the horse fre- 



Colic in Horses 267 

quently stretches and strains as if in an attempt to 
void urine. The pain usually ceases in a short time, 
and the animal appears quiet and free from pain, but 
in the course of a few minutes to half an hour, another 
attack, with the same symptoms, occurs. 

Get the horse into a comfortable place where he 
can roll without injury to himself, give an enema 
(injection) of six to eight quarts of rather warm water, 
containing half a teacupful of glycerine. The enema 
should be given slowly and the horse allowed to retain 
it as long as possible. Give the animal one ounce 
of laudanum and half an ounce of spirits of cam- 
phor, mixed in half a pint of warm water. Jamaica 
ginger in two -ounce doses, or chloral hydrate in one- 
half ounce doses, dissolved in one half -pint of warm 
water, is very good for this trouble. Another good 
remedy is sweet spirits of niter, in ounce doses. 
Blankets wrung out of hot water and applied to the 
belly relieve the pain, as also does rubbing the belly 
vigorously. 

Medicines for spasmodic colic should be well diluted 
with hot water and given as drenches. In case lau- 
danum is given, the dose should not be repeated too 
frequently. A tablespoonful of common baking -soda, 
dissolved in warm water and given as a drench, is 
excellent. 

Flatulent or "wind" colic is severe abdominal pains 
caused by the accumulation in the stomach or intes- 
tines of gases resulting from the fermenting of food. 

It comes on more gradually than spasmodic colic, 
and the pain is more continuous. The pain may or 



268 The Care of Animals 

may not be severe. The gas tends to accumulate in 
the large intestine, which lies on the right side of 
the animal. The bloating may be severe enough to 
interfere with the animaPs breathing. The horse lies 
down, rolls, paws, points toward the flank with his 
nose, and sweats profusely. The horse may roll on 
his back, and lie in this position; there is often some 
gas flatus, passed from the bowels, and sometimes gas 
may be belched from the stomach, and escape through 
the nostril. 

Enemas of warm, soapy water, or warm water and 
glycerine, are excellent for this, as for spasmodic colic. 
Allow the horse to roll, taking precautions that he 
does not injure himself. Aromatic spirits of ammonia 
in ounce doses mixed with warm water; turpentine in 
ounce doses mixed with oil or warm milk; bicarbonate 
(common baking) soda, in ounce doses and chloral hy- 
drate in half-ounce doses, are also advisable, as is also 
essence of Jamaica ginger. 

In all cases of colic or bowel trouble the cause should 
be carefully looked for and removed. It is generally a 
good plan to give a quart of raw linseed oil carefully, 
or four to six drams of aloes in a ball, to empty the 
bowels. Oil should not be given following chloral, 
on account of the danger of choking. It is an excellent 
plan to diet the horse for a few days, until the dis- 
turbed organs have a chance to regain their normal 
condition. 

The following is an excellent colic mixture. It 
should be kept in a tightly corked bottle to prevent 
evaporation : 



Colic and Bowel Obstruction 269 

Chloral hydrate 2 ounces 

Laudanum 2 ounces 

Sulfuric ether 1 ounce 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia 2 ounces 

Essence of Jamaica ginger 4 ounces 

Creolin }-o ounce 

T\;vo tablespoonfuls in one -half pint of rather hot water 
can be given at a dose and repeated in one -half hour, if 
necessary, for three doses, and then one hour apart for 
several doses, depending upon the severity of the case. 

OBSTRUCTIOX OF THE BOTTELS IX HORSES 

Impaction of the large intestines of the horse is 
generally due to feeding large quantities of coarse, 
indigestible food, such as marsh hay, corn -stover, or 
straw, without laxative food and exercise. The large 
intestines become filled with a hard mass of partially 
digested food, and sickness ensues. 

Slight abdominal pains come on gradually, the horse 
stretches and strains, as if to void urine, kicks at the 
belly, and points toward the flank with his nose. 
He lies down, often stretched out flat on his side, 
remaining quiet, with little or no indication of pain. 
Au examination, made by oiling or soaping the hand 
and arm and inserting it in the rectum, proves the large 
intestine to be distended by a hard mass of undigested 
food. 

Give at once an enema of warm, soapy water, or 
water containing glycerine, not too large in amount, 
as it is desirable that it should be retained for some 
time. A quart of raw linseed- oil as a drench should 



270 The Care of Animals 

be carefully given. The abdomen (belly) should be 
thoroughly rubbed with a sort of kneading motion 
and a mild stimulating liniment applied, though not 
enough to blister. Gentle exercise, if the horse is not 
too sick, is advisable. Give him salt to eat, and plenty 
of water. A thin mash of scalded bran that he can 
drink is excellent. Two ounces of essence of Jamaica 
ginger may be given, or ginger tea made by putting 
a heaping tablespoonful of pulverized ginger into a 
pint of hot water, allowing it to cool, and then giving 
it as a drench. These may be repeated every four 
hours. Violent purgatives should not be resorted to. 
Give nature time and a little assistance, and the best 
results will follow. 

CONCRETIONS, CALCULI, HAIR -BALLS, ETC. 

Hard masses of indigestible material are frequently 
found in the stomachs and intestines of animals. In 
some cases, these calculi are composed of salts of lime 
and have the appearance of a stone. Sometimes they 
are a mixture of salts of lime, hair, beards of barley 
or similar material gathered into a hard mass, which 
partially or completely close the bowel. 

The symptoms vary with the nature of the animal 
and the location of the calculus, or mass ; but, in 
general, they are those of any other stoppage of the 
bowels. In most cases, the cause of the difficulty is 
not recognized until after the death of the animal. 

In all cases of stoppage of the bowels, unless the 
cause is definitely known, an examination should always 



Obstruction of Bowels 271 

be made by inserting the oiled arm into the rectum. In 
a few cases the obstacle can be felt and removed. 
When an obstruction of this kind is suspected, copious 
enemas, mild purgatives, such as raw linseed oil, or 
small doses of Epsom or Glauber's salts, can be given, 
with plenty of water to drink and fluid food, as gruels, 
etc. Hair -balls in the rumen of cattle can be removed 
by the surgical operation known as rumenotomy (see 
"Impaction of Rumen" page 260). 

INTUSSUSCEPTION, OR INVAGINATION OF THE BOWEL 

In this form of obstruction, the bowel slips inside 
itself Treatment is not satisfactory. Purgatives and 
copious enemas of warm water are used. Inserting the 
arm into the rectum and manipulating the large intes- 
tine with a sweeping movement of the hand and arm 
may straighten it. 

VOLVULUS, TWISTING OF THE BOWEL, "GUT -TIE" 

In this trouble, the bowel becomes twisted on itself 
in such a way as to obstruct the passage of its contents. 
The treatment is the same as for intussusception, but 
nearly all cases are fatal. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS, OR ENTERITIS 

Inflammation of the bowels is a severe and usually 
fatal disease caused by some irritant, such as undi- 
gested food, irritating poisons, stoppage of the bowels, 
or injury to the walls. Colic, indigestion, volvulus 



272 The Care of Animals 

and calculi, when not promptly relieved, are likely to 
terminate in inflammation of the bowels. 

To an ordinary observer, many of the symptoms of 
inflammation of the bowels appear like those of colic, 
but the following differences should be observed. In 
inflammation of the bowels there is abdominal pain, as 
in colic, but the pain is more continuous. In inflamma- 
tion of the bowels there is fever, — the temperature 
may go from 100° up to 105°; it is usually above 
103°. The pulse is small, hard, ^Hhready," and rapid, 
the horse dislikes to lie down, and, before lying 
down, will frequently stand with all four feet near 
together, tread around with the legs partially bent, 
and hesitate before going down. When he does lie 
down, he does so as gently as possible, getting down 
on his knees, or sitting down upon his haunches like 
a dog, and remaining in this position for some time. 
In colic, pressure or kneading on the abdomen usually 
gives relief, but in enteritis pressure on the abdomen 
causes increased pain. In enteritis, the horse has an 
anxious, distressed expression of countenance. There 
is a disposition to walk about in a circle, pausing only 
to paw, or to attempt to lie down. 

Give laudanum in ounce doses, combined with a 
small dose (half a pint) of raw linseed oil, to quiet the 
pain. Hot blankets should be applied to the abdomen. 
Gruels and linseed tea should be given and the horse 
should be kept as quiet as possible. It is not a good 
plan to give more than one or two enemas, as they are 
liable to increase the irritation of the bowels. 

In cattle, inflammation of the bowels comes on more 



Diarrhea 273 

slowly than in horses, and the symptoms are not so 
well marked. There is abdominal pain, not so severe 
as in the horse. It is marked by persistent constipation 
and a rise of temperature to 105° or 106° F. It is 
usually fatal in cattle. The treatment is the same 
as for horses, except that the doses for adult cattle 
should be half as much again. 

DIARRHEA, SCOURING 

Diarrhea is usually an effort of nature to remove 
some irritant from the bowels. It is one of the most 
common diseases of domestic animals. There are 
frequent movements of the bowels, and discharges are 
more thin and watery than normal, and are often char- 
acterized by a very disagreeable odor. There may be a 
severe straining, associated with the passing of a small 
amount of dung. 

Diarrhea may be caused by bad food, by overfeed- 
ing, by indigestible food or by a sudden change of food. 
Bolting the food without thorough mastication, or lack 
of proper digestive juices, may cause the disease. The 
presence of bacteria in decomposing food, especially 
in milk fed to young animals, is a common cause, as 
well as the overloading of the stomach by infrequent 
feedings and too large amounts of food given at a 
time. Some horses are predisposed to diarrhea, espe- 
cially when driving on the road. Such horses are 
called "slab-sided" or "washy" by horsemen. Usually 
their ribs are not well "sprung;" they have not a round, 
full "barrel." There is a common belief that horses 



274 The Care of Animals ■ 

of light sorrel, buckskin or dun color are more subject 
to diarrhea than those of more decided colors. 

As diarrhea is an effort of nature to remove an 
irritant, it follows that it should not be checked too 
suddenly. First, locate and remove the cause. A small 
dose (about two ounces for horses and cattle, and a 
half ounce for calves) of castor -oil combined with an 
ounce of laudanum, and given as a drench with a little 
linseed gruel is excellent. For calves and lambs, a 
small quantity of dried blood (one teaspoonful to one 
tablespoonful) , given in dilute milk or gruel three times 
daily, will usually stop the trouble. For calves, it is 
usually a good plan to dilute the milk with one -third 
lime-water, and to feed them frequently, but only small 
amounts at a time. Parched flour added to boiled or 
sterilized milk is also advisable. Lime-water can be 
made by pouring water on fresh lime. After the 
lime is slaked and settled, the water can be poured 
off and used. Essence of Jamaica ginger well diluted 
with hot water is very good. In persistent cases, use 
an astringent, such as oak-bark tea. This is made by 
steeping the inner bark of white oak. For a horse, a 
teacupful of this tea combined with an ounce of 
laudanum should be given as a drench twice daily. 
Horses that are subject to diarrhea while on the road 
should be watered sparingly before and during the 
drive. Prepared chalk in one -half to ounce doses twice 
daily is useful in such cases. 



Constipation 275 

CONSTIPATION 

This condition is the opposite of diarrhea ; the 
bowels do not move as frequently as they should; the 
feces (dung) are hard and dry, and are often passed 
with much effort. An animal suffering from constipa- 
tion is said to be costive, or "bound up." 

Constipation is usually due to bad food, improper 
feeding, lack of exercise or of sufficient water, and in 
some cases to deficient secretion of digestive fluids. 
Constipation is frequently associated with other dis- 
orders, especially with diseases of the lungs; under 
these circumstances no special treatment is needed, as 
the bowels will return to their normal condition when 
the other disease is cured. 

Unless the case is severe and persistent, violent 
purgatives should not be used. Better results follow 
the use of laxative foods, such as thin bran mashes, 
fresh grass and linseed gruels, combined with moderate 
exercise. Enemas of warm, soapy water or warm water 
and glycerine should be injected to empty the bowels. 
Small doses of castor -oil and raw linseed -oil are good. 
In cattle and sheep, Epsom salts is usually sufficient. 
In cases of chronic constipation, the following tonic for 
the bowels is to be recommended: 

Pulverized ginger root 2 ounces 

Pulverized nux vomica seed 2 ounces 

Pulverized gentian root 2 ounces 

Sulfur 2 ounces 

Common salt 8 ounces 

Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful in the food 
three times daily. 



276 The Care of Animals 

WHITE SCOUR 

This is a severe and often fatal diarrhea that attacks 
calves, and rarely lambs and colts. The disease may 
appear within a day or two after the calf is born, and 
often occurs as a contagious disease, attacking all calves 
that are dropped for some time, especially during the 
winter or spring. The disease is caused by a germ 
that enters the calves' system, in most cases through 
the navel. 

There is a severe diarrhea, which produces great 
weakness and general prostration. The eyes are 
sunken, the ears cold, and the mucous membrane of 
the mouth is cold and bloodless. The discharges from 
the bowels have an offensive odor. 

The cow should be placed at once in clean dry 
quarters, where no sick calves have been confined. As 
soon as the calf is dropped, the "cord" should be tied 
close to the navel, and both thoroughly wet with a 
solution of tincture of iodine, or a solution of one 
part of carbolic acid to five parts of water. Iodine 
usually gives the best results. Fresh milk, diluted one- 
third with lime-water, in which a teaspoonful of dried 
blood has been dissolved, should be given to the calf 
in small quantities frequently. Where this disease oc- 
curs in buildings, all pregnant cows about to calve 
should be removed to uninfected quarters. 

CROP -BOUND FOWLS 

In the spring when chickens first roam and gather 
food for themselves, they are likely to swallow a large 



Crop-hound Chickens 277 

amount of dry indigestible grass. The same condition 
is often brought on by feeding them grass in large 
quantities when they are not used to it. This dry grass 
remains in the chicken's crop as a hard undigested mass 
that is likely to cause death. 

The best plan is to give the chicken a tablespoonful 
of sweet oil, or as much as it can be forced to 
swallow. The gullet must then be held between the 
fingers to keep the oil from working up, Avhile the mass 
in the crop is manipulated, broken up and mixed with 
the oil. This may be repeated two or three times daily 
until the chicken is relieved. Some of the grass can 
be removed by working it up the gullet and out of 
the mouth. Water can be injected with a hypodermic 
syringe as recommended for choking. 

When it is not possible to relieve the chicken in 
this manner, the crop may be cut open, the contents 
removed, and the crop sewed up with catgut, taking 
the stitches close together. The skin should be closed 
with a separate set of stitches. After the operation, the 
chicken should have nothing but milk or other liquid 
food for a week, or until the crop has healed. Unless 
the fowl is a valuable one, it is seldom worth the 
bother of an operation and after-treatment. 



CHAPTER XII 
DISEASES AFFECTING THE BESPIBATOBY SYSTEM 

The commonest disease of the respiratory system is 
catarrh, in some one of its many forms. 

Catarrh is an inflammation of a mucous membrane, 
associated with an excessive discharge of mucus. It 
may attack any mucous membrane of the body, but un- 
less some other region is specified it is understood that 
the name catarrh refers to the disease affecting the 
mucous lining of the nose and throat. The two kinds 
of catarrh (of respiratory passages) are acute and 
chronic. 

ACUTE CATARRH 

Acute catarrh comes on rather suddenly, and is gen- 
erally severe. It is often associated with an infectious 
distemper, or influenza. A "cold in the head'' is a form 
of the disease. Catarrh is frequently brought on by 
exposure to cold and wet when the animal is warm or 
out of condition. It sometimes passes from animal to 
animal. Most large sale stables are infested with an 
influenza, which manifests itself as acute catarrh. 

The animal appears dull. There is often a chill 
in the early stage, followed by fever. The mucous 
membranes of the nose and eyes are congested and 
red. There is a discharge of mucus from the nostrils, 

(278) 



Catarrh 279 

at first thin and watery, but later becoming thick, and, 
in some cases, quite pus-like (purulent). The bowels 
are usually constipated. 

Give the patient comfortable • quarters, blanket 
warmly and supply laxative, easily digested food. A 
small tablesjioonful of saltpeter (nitrate of potash) 
should be added to the drinking water once daily. 
Steam the horse's head by placing a blanket over it 
and setting under this a pail of boiling water contain- 
ing a tablespoonful of carbolic acid. As the water 
cools, more steam can be generated by plunging heated 
irons or stones into the pail. 

CHRONIC CATARRH 

In chronic catarrh, there are few symptoms except 
a discharge of mucus or muco- purulent matter, thick 
or thin, from one or both nostrils. It is usually most 
profuse when the animal is first exercised, or when 
the head is lowered to drink. The catarrh may be of 
long standing, and the animal be somewhat debilitated 
as a result. In bad cases, pus may collect in one of 
the nasal chambers (sinuses). This may be discharged 
in lumps, or the bones of the face may bulge, from the 
pressure of pus inside ; in some cases, the bone softens 
and the pus is discharged through it to the outside. 
Sometimes there is a snorting cough. 

The treatment for chronic catarrh is to provide 
comfortable quarters, plenty of nourishing, laxative 
food and to give good care. Tonic condition powders 
may then be made after the following formula ; 



280 The Care of Animals 

Sulfate of iron (pulverized) 2 ounces 

Nux vomica seed (pulverized) 1 ounce 

Gentian root (pulverized) 2 ounces 

Nitrate of potash (pulverized) 2 ounces 

Mix the ingredients thoroughly, and give a tea- 
spoonful in the feed three times daily. Steam the 
head and spray the nostrils once daily with the follow- 
ing : Boric acid, 2 drams ; warm water, 1 quart. In 
some cases, there is a collection of pus in one of the 
cavities of the head. It is best to trephine (cut open) 
the bone and wash out the cavity with the above 
solution. Such a measure greatly hastens the cure of 
the disease. 

Other diseases that resemble chronic catarrh are 
the ulceration of a molar in the upper jaw, and 
glanders, described elsewhere (Chapter XVI). 

BRONCHITIS 

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes is one of the 
most common diseases that attack domestic animals. 
It is usually acute, but may be chronic. It is often 
associated with pneumonia or inflammation of the 
lungs. 

Exposure to cold and dampness, especially when 
warm, is the most common cause; also foreign sub- 
stances, such as smoke or medicines, that irritate the 
bronchial tubes. It sometimes follows sore throat and 
often starts as a severe cold. 

Bronchitis usually begins with a chill, which may 
last from five minutes to an hour. It is followed by 



Bronchitis 281 

a high fever, in which the temperature may go to 
106 degrees. The pulse is full, soft and rapid, sixty 
to eighty beats per minute. The respirations are 
hurried, but not labored. There is a cough, which, in 
the early stages, is short, dry and husky; but in the 
later stages it becomes moist and suppressed, a frothy 
mucus often being coughed up. The appetite is lost 
or impaired, and the bowels constipated. In the early 
stages, the dung is hard and dry, but as the disease 
progresses, it often becomes coated with a slimy mucus. 
The urine is scant and high-colored. By applying 
the ear to the front part of the chest, one can hear a 
rattling sound, like forcing air through frothy mucus. 
Just back of the shoulder a whistling sound (sibilus) 
can be heard as the air rushes through the small 
bronchial tubes. The expired air is laden with moist- 
ure, and the mucous membrane of the nostrils is con- 
gested and red. Horses stand during this disease, 
while other animals usually lie down. 

Hygienic treatment is best. Supply clean, warm, 
dry quarters, with plenty of fresh air, but no draughts. 
Clothe the animal warmly and apply over the chest a 
blanket wrung out of cold water, with dry blankets 
over this. The wet blankets should be renewed every 
hour. During the chill, give stimulants, whiskey in 
two -ounce doses, sweet spirits of nitre in ounce doses, 
or aromatic spirits of ammonia in ounce doses; and 
repeat these doses every hour until the chill is 
stopped. Then give small doses of aconite, fifteen 
drops of the tincture alternating with one -half dram 
of fluid extract of belladonna. Two -dram doses of 



282 The Care of Animals 

the carbonate or chlorid of ammonia, given three 
times daily, is excellent to promote the discharge of 
mucus. After the first acute symptoms have subsided, 
a mustard plaster may be applied to the lungs. The 
food and water and general care should be the same 
as recommended for pneumonia. Two weeks should 
be allowed for a complete recovery. 

CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS 

This is an engorgement of the lungs with blood. 
While it is one of the symptoms of acute lung disease 
(congestion preceding inflammation), it may occur with- 
out any complications. It is a common disease among 
horses during the winter season. 

Congestion of the lungs usually occurs in horses 
which are too fat and lack sufficient exercise. If to 
these conditions is added a foolish or drunken driver, 
the disease may be confidently expected. 

The horse is distressed for breath, and wants to 
stop ; he sweats freely, frequently turning his head 
toward his side; there is trembling of the muscles 
and an anxious expression of the face. The breathing 
is rapid and labored; the flanks heave rapidly; the 
nostrils are dilated and the mucous membrane is con- 
gested and red. 

Stop work, loosen the harness, and blanket warmly. 
Rub the legs to promote circulation, and apply a cold 
compress to the lungs. After the first acute symptoms 
have subsided, give stimulants, such as alcohol in two- 
ounce doses, or carbonate of ammonia in one -ounce 



Pneumonia 283 

doses, well diluted with water, and apply a mustard 
plaster to the lungs if the congestion continues. 



PNEUMONIA, INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS, LUNG FEVER 

Inflammation of the lungs is a rather common 
disease in all domestic animals. There are several 
forms of the disease, depending on the part of the 
lung most seriously affected. If the outer covering 
(pleura) is also diseased, the name pleuro- pneumonia 
is given; when the bronchial tubes are also affected, 
the trouble is called broncho - pneumonia. If the 
disease is confined to one lobe of the lung, it is called 
lobar -pneumonia. Again, the disease takes different 
names according to the character of the discharge 
thrown off by the lungs; so that there are croupous 
pneumonia, catarrhal pneumonia, and the like. The 
treatment for the different varieties is the same. 

Exposure, especially when warm and sweaty, brings 
on this disease. It occurs most frequently in cold 
weather. In many cases it seems to start as a severe 
"cold." Any irritating substance in the lungs may 
produce it, such as medicine poured into the nostrils 
which often gets into the lungs. Damp, dark and 
crowded stables predispose animals to pneumonia. True 
pneumonia is probably caused by germs or bacteria, 
and is often infectious. 

Pneumonia usually starts with a chill, which is 
followed by a fever, the temperature of the patient 
gradually rising to 104 or 105 degrees Fahrenheit. In 
some cases, in the early stages, there are colicky pains, 



284 The Care of Animals 

resulting from pleurisy. The respiration is rapid, the 
animal standing with the head drooping, the ears 
lopped, and elbows turned out; this position is usually 
maintained throughout the course of the disease. In 
cases that prove fatal, horses will stand until they 
fall from exhaustion, after which they die very soon. 
When animals lie down with pneumonia, they usually 
lie on the side that is the most seriously diseased. 
The pulse is rapid, small, and rather hard, varying 
from sixty to eighty beats per minute. The appetite 
is wanting and the bowels constipated. By placing 
the ear to the chest, over the region of the lung, a 
rattling sound (crepitus) is heard, in place of the 
normal murmur. Or, if the lung is badly diseased, it 
may be solidified (hepatized) so that no air can enter; 
in this case there is absence of sound. Animals sick 
with pneumonia like fresh air and will often place 
the nose to a door or window, if one is accessible. 
When pleurisy is associated with pneumonia, there 
is a well-marked pleuritic line running from the 
point of the hip downward and forward towards the 
lower end of the ribs. This is due to a contraction 
of the muscles to prevent the ribs from moving more 
than necessary, as friction between the lungs and ribs 
causes pain. 

Pneumonia runs a definite course, the temperature 
reaching its highest about the sixth day. All the 
treatment should be directed toward keeping the ani- 
mal comfortable and conserving its strength. The 
body should be warmly clad, the legs rubbed lightly 
and bandaged, and the animal placed in a warm, dry 



, Pneumonia 285 

and well -ventilated stall where there is plenty of sun- 
light. The food should be nourishing and easily 
digested, as sweet milk alone, or with raw eggs beaten 
in, gruels, oats steamed or dry, apples, etc. Cold 
compresses, made by folding blankets, wringing them 
out of cold water, should be placed firmly against the 
lungs, and covered with dry blankets. These should 
be continued several hours, and changed frequently. 
When they are removed, the part should be rubbed 
dry, and a stimulating liniment or mustard plaster 
rubbed on. The mustard is mixed with tepid water 
to a thin paste and rubbed into the hair over the 
lungs. When the plaster has acted sufficiently it should 
be carefully removed with a curry-comb. 

In giving medicine, great care must be exercised 
not to excite or to choke the animal, because more 
harm than good results from harsh treatment. Do not 
drench a horse suffering from pneumonia unless it be 
really necessary. In the early stages, during the chill, 
stimulants may be given, — whiskey in two-ounce doses, 
or an ounce of spirits of nitrous ether. These may be 
repeated in an hour. After the chill is over, the fever 
may be treated by giving small doses, fifteen drops, of 
the tincture of aconite, alternating with thirty drops 
of fluid extract of belladonna, every hour. A heaping 
teaspoonful of saltpeter (nitrate of potash) may be 
given in the drinking water twice daily. As soon as 
the fever begins to subside, the other medicines may 
be stopped and one -half dram of iodide of potash 
be given twice daily for two or three days. 

In the early stages of the disease enemas (injec- 



286 The Care of Animals 

tions) of warm soapy water, or water with two ounces 
of glycerine, may be given to empty the bowels. 
Purgatives should not be given. Three weeks should 
be allowed for complete recovery. 



INFECTIOUS PNEUMONIA 

An infectious pneumonia sometimes occurs, either 
among horses or cattle. It seldom spreads rapidly or 
extends over a very large area. The symptoms are 
those of ordinary pneumonia, except that its progress 
is not so rapid and the disease is seldom so acute. 
The treatment is the same as for ordinary pneumonia, 
and, in addition, careful attention should be paid to 
the surroundings, food and water. All healthy animals 
should be removed from infected quarters, and the 
latter should be thoroughly disinfected before healthy 
animals are placed in them. 



CONTAGIOUS PLEURO- PNEUMONIA 

This is a disease of cattle, slow, chronic, and insid- 
ious, which was introduced from Europe, where it has 
caused heavy losses to the cattle industry. The federal 
government, through the Bureau o£ Animal Industry, 
has completely eradicated this disease from the Uuited 
States, no case having occurred for ten years. Suspected 
cases should be at once reported. For a description 
of this disease, see reports of the Department of 
Agriculture. 



Reaves 287 

PULMONARY EMPHYSEMA, HEAVES, OR BROKEN -WIND* 

This is a chronic disease of horses, due to a dilation 
or rupture of the air-cells of the lungs. It is usually 
associated with a chronic form of indigestion. 

Heaves is usually the result of improper food or 
feeding, and is most frequently seen in greedy feeders. 
Overfeeding, especiallj^ with dusty or moldy hay, is a 
common cause. Fast driving or hard work on a full 
stomach may induce the disease. There may be an 
hereditary tendency to the disease. 

In most cases, the disease comes on gradually, but 
fast work on a full stomach brings it on suddenly. 
The breathing is labored, the air being taken in (in- 
spired) -with a peculiar outward twist of the ribs. 
When the air is forced out (expired), there is a double 
movement of the flank : when expiration begins, 
the flank falls ; then there is a short pause, followed 
by a decided contraction of the muscles, which causes 
a heaving of the flank and belly. All the breathing 
symptoms are most distinct when the stomach is full 
of food or water, and the horse is exercised. In most 
cases of heaves there is a deep, moist, grunting cough, 
most frequent when the food or the air is dusty. 
There is considerable gas passed from the bowels, es- 
pecially when coughing. The nostrils are dilated, and 
frequently there is a discharge of thick mucus from 
the nose. Horses badly afflicted with heaves are unable 
to perform hard or fast work without stopping frequently 
to breathe. 

*" Roaring," due to a paralysis of the muscles of the throat, is also called 
"broken-wind" by horsemen. See pages 288-9. 



288 The Care of Animals 

Severe cases of heaves are incurable, although much 
can be done to alleviate the trouble. The treatment 
is hj^gienic and dietetic. The quarters and food should 
be made free from dust. In feeding, the hay should 
be sprinkled with water. The food should be nutri- 
tious, easily digested, but not bulky. A run at pasture 
is excellent. 

The best medicinal treatment consists in giving 
arsenic, in the form of Fowler's solution, beginning 
with two teaspoonfuls in the food three time's daily and 
increasing to a tablespoonful three times daily, and 
continuing from one to two months. The animal should 
be closely watched for symptoms of arsenical poisoning, 
and the medicine stopped, should any symptoms appear. 
Other remedies are : Small doses of aloes, about a 
dram, given as a ball every few days ; oil of tar, in 
two -dram doses, two or three times daily. Any medi- 
cine that promotes digestion is beneficial, — as ginger 
root, pulverized, in tablespoonful doses three times 
daily, or a teaspoonful of pulverized nux vomica once 
daily. In any treatment, careful attention should be 
given to the diet. 

ROARING, OR WHISTLING 

This disease, which afflicts horses, is due to a paral- 
ysis of the muscles of the larynx, together with one 
of the vocal cords. This paralysis diminishes the cali- 
ber of the larynx to such an extent that the horse has 
difficulty in taking sufficient air, especially when 
exercised vigorously. 



Roaring 289 

This trouble may follow a local injury to the throat. 
It is frequently a sequel to distemper. It is also fre- 
quently seen among race - horses and others that are 
subjected to severe work that taxes the respiratory 
powers. It is often hereditary. Some stallions habit- 
ually transmit this weakness to their colts. Horses 
with long slender necks seem to be predisposed to this 
disease. 

The disease comes on gradually; there is a slight 
roaring or whistling sound, made when the air is taken 
in (inspired). As the disease progresses, the breathing 
becomes more difficult and the sounds louder. The 
sounds are most distinct when the horse is exercised 
violently. In severe cases, a horse can travel rapidly 
only a short distance without "choking down." 

Roaring derives little benefit from treatment. In 
the early stages, repeated light blisters, applied to the 
larynx, may be beneficial. Removal, by a surgical 
operation, of the vocal cord and the cartilage to which 
it is attached, gives relief in a few cases. A tracheotomy 
tube can be inserted in the windpipe of a horse used 
for speed, though it is a temporary measure. It can- 
not be used permanently on account of the irritation 
it causes. 

Roaring is sometimes called "broken -wind," but it 
must not be confounded with heaves, to which that name 
is also applied. 



CHAPTER XIII 

DISEASES AFFECTING THE BEjlIN AND 
NERVOUS SYSTEM 

As compared with man, domestic animals are affected 
by few diseases of the nervous system. This is prob- 
ably due, in part, to the higher development of the 
nervous system in man, as well as to the greater strain 
to which it is subjected. Insanity and the other men- 
tal diseases in man that may be caused by worry and 
excesses, are practically' unknown among animals. 
Some of the so-called "nervous diseases" are merely 
symptoms of other disorders; but, inasmuch as the 
farmer recognizes symptoms as diseases, it has seemed 
best to include in one chapter the common diseases 
that manifest themselves chiefly in the nervous system. 

HYDROCEPHALUS 

Hydrocephalus, commonly called" water on the brain," 
sometimes occurs in foals, calves and other young ani- 
mals at birth. The skull is enlarged and the brain is 
largely replaced by a watery fluid. See Fig. 41, Chapter 
IX. Animals affected with this disease seldom live, and 
when they do are of no value. The best plan is to 
destroy them at once, as there is no treatment known 
that is satisfactory. 

(290) 



Dummies — Lock -jaw 291 



When hydrocephalus develops in adult horses, the 
animals gradually lose their mental powers and are 
commonly called "dummies.'' Such animals are often 
traded off as soon as the owner suspects the difficulty. 

While standing, the horse seems to be asleep, rest- 
ing the head on the manger ; the eyes are partially closed 
and the legs often crossed, or one foot rests on the 
opposite one. When eating, the horse appears to go 
to sleep with the food in his mouth, and, in drinking, 
usually plunges his head to the bottom of the trough, 
withdrawing it only to get breath. In moving, the 
horse lifts the feet high, and in backing drags them 
along the ground. He comprehends but little, and it 
is with difficulty that he can be made to work. 
He may be subject to "fits " especially when exercised 
violently. 

Good care and good food are needed, when treat- 
ment is attempted. Iodide of potash in dram doses 
may be given once daily for a few days, then withheld 
for a week, then repeated. A "dummy" is of little 
value, scarcely worth treating. 



TETANUS, OR "LOCK-JAV^" 

This disease produces a contraction of some or all 
of the voluntary muscles of the body, associated with 
an excited condition of the nervous system. It occurs 
in horses and mules, rarely in other animals. It also 
attacks man. 



292 The Care of Animals 

Tetanus, or "lock-jaw," is caused by a germ or bac- 
terium that usually enters the system through a wound. 
Once inside, the germs multiply rapidly, and produce 
violent poison that acts upon the nervous system, 
causing the voluntary muscles to contract and, at the 
same time, creating nervous excitement. The germs 
are believed to be numerous in the soil about barns 
and stables. They are especially liable to enter wounds 
of the feet, although any surgical operation or the 
least break of the skin offers an opportunity for 
infection. When tetanus occurs without any visible 
wound, the germs are believed to enter the system 
through minute wounds, or through a mucous mem- 
brane, such as the digestive tract. 

Tetanus generally centers in some set of muscles, 
such as those of the neck, head, jaws, or back, although 
all the muscles may be more or less affected. The first 
marked symptom is usually inability to eat, the muscles 
of the jaws being firmly contracted. The horse be- 
comes stiff all over; the head is elevated and the nOse 
protrudes; the tail is arched in a peculiar and char- 
acteristic manner. If forced to move, the animal has 
a stiff, paddling gait. Great difficulty is experienced 
in backing the horse. He is easily excited, especially 
by a slight blow under the jaws. The "haw" is drawm 
across the inner corner of the eye. The animal grinds 
his teeth. The affected muscles are rigid to the touch. 
The flank is usually "tucked up." The animal gives 
evidence of being seriously ill. 

Put the horse into comfortable and quiet quarters. 
On no account allow inquisitive visitors to see him. The 



Lock-jaw 293 

stall should be slightly darkened and supplied with soft 
bedding. If the wound where infection took place can 
be located, it should be opened, to give free access 
to air, for this prevents the germs from growing. The 
wound should be thoroughly cleansed, and antiseptics, 
such as carbolic acid (one part in twenty parts of 
water), applied to the wound twice daily. Tetanus 
usually shows itself in four to twenty days (in most 
cases about ten days) following an injury. Horses 
suffering from this disease should not be drenched, as 
this treatment excites them too much. Fluid extract 
of belladonna, one dram, may be made into a sticky 
paste with molasses and flour and applied to the tongue 
every two hours for five or six doses, or until the ani- 
mal is quiet. Morphine may be used in the same way in 
one- to two-grain doses, or the same amount may be in- 
jected under the skin of the neck or shoulder with a 
hypodermic syringe. A remedy that has given good 
results, although but recently introduced, is the follow- 
ing: Carbolic acid, 95 per cent, two ounces; glycerin, 
one ounce; distilled water, one ounce. Inject one dram 
hypodermically every two hours for forty -eight hours, 
then once in four hours. In all cases, the horse must 
be kept as quiet and comfortable as possible. If 
the horse can drink, give sweet milk, and gruels con- 
taining raw, beaten eggs. If he can eat, give laxative 
food, such as mashes and fresh grass. Cases of tetanus 
in which convulsions have set in are usually fatal. 
Several weeks must be allowed for recovery after the 
acute symptoms disappear. 



294 The Care of Animals 

STRINGHALT, CHOREA 

Chorea is a disease known by a spasmodic contrac- 
tion of some of the voluntary muscles. The muscles 
twitch or tremble. The cause and real nature of this 
disease are not known. It is similar to St. Vitus' dance 
in the human family. It usually occurs in animals of 
a nervous disposition. Chorea in some of its forms 
is frequently seen in horses and dogs ; in the latter it 
sometimes occurs as a sequel to distemper. It is prob- 
able that several diseases, or symptoms of several dis- 
eases, are confounded loosely under the general term 
chorea by the laj^man ; but for practical purposes here 
they may all be considered together. 

There are several forms of the disease, and the 
symptoms vary accordingly. One of the most frequent 
forms is stringhalt in horses. This is a marked spas- 
modic jerking up of the hind leg as the horse travels. 
In some cases it is seen only when the horse first starts, 
after standing in the stall, and disappears after a few 
steps have been taken. There is a form of stringhalt 
that sometimes follows punctured wounds of the foot, 
and disappears as soon as the wound heals. Another 
form of chorea is shown by the inability of the horse 
to lift the hind foot, which seems to be fastened to 
the floor. When he does get it loose it is lifted up 
high, and is held a moment in that position. This 
form of the disease is called "immobility," and is most 
pronounced on making the horse "stand over" quietly, 
after he has stood in the stable for a time, especially 
over night. The symptoms usually disappear if the 



Stringhalt 295 

horse is made to jump quickly by a cut from a whip, or 
after walking a short distance. 

These forms of chorea are most severe in cold weather 
and usually gradually increase in severity as the ani- 
mal grows older. In dogs, chorea is usually seen as an 
irregular jerking of the muscles of the head or some 
other part, or even the entire body. In horses, there 
is sometimes a jerking of sets of muscles, unless the 
disease is severe. Chorea does not seem to cause suffer- 
ing, nor to interfere seriously with the general health 
of the animal. 

In most cases of chorea, medicinal treatment does 
not give great benefit, unless it is the result of other 
disease. Good results often follow careful feeding and 
tonics. The food should be nutritious, easily digested, 
of good variety, and abundant. For horses, a mix- 
ture of oats, oil-meal and bran is good. Give the 
horse three times a week the following: Common salt, 
four ounces; sulfur, two ounces; hard-wood ashes, 
two ounces; — a tablespoonful of the mixture in the feed. 
Also, give Fowler's solution (of arsenic), beginning 
with half -ounce doses in the feed, once daily, and 
gradually increasing by one -fourth ounce at a time 
until one ounce is given at a dose in the morning 
and the same at night. The arsenic should be given 
for two weeks and then Avithheld for two weeks and 
repeated. Dogs maybe given Fowler's solution, begin- 
ning with one -drop doses once daily and increased 
one drop a day until five to ten drops (depending on 
the size of the dog) are given three times daily. 
Simple syrup of hypophosphites should be given in 



296 The Care of Animals 

teaspoonful doses three times daily with the arseuic. 
This treatment may be continued for two or three weeks, 
then stopped for two or three weeks, and then repeated. 
In some cases, cutting the lateral extensor tendon just 
below the hock joint gives permanent relief to horses 
having stringhalt, and this is not a dangerous 
operation. 

FITS, EPILEPSY 

Horses are sometimes subject to fits, which render 
them wholly or partly unconscious. In some cases 
they appear to be in a frenzy of excitement; they stag- 
ger about and often fall. Animals subject to fits are 
dangerous for driving, because they are wholly irre- 
sponsible during an attack; and they frequently cause 
serious injuries to themselves and to those depend- 
ent on th-em. A horse is usually attacked by a fit 
while being driven, and without any premonitory 
symptoms, often floundering, rearing or plunging, 
and sometimes running away or dashing into dan- 
gerous places. 

During the attack, the horse should be freed from 
the vehicle, and the harness loosened or removed. 
Cold water dashed over the head generally gives relief. 
The cause of the difficulty should be looked for and 
removed, if possible. It may be over-feeding, or a 
tight-fitting collar or throat-latch, or any other con- 
dition that interferes with the circulation. Real epi- 
lepsy is incurable, and a horse suffering from such 
fits should not be placed in any position involving 
responsibility. Many causes are responsible for fits. 



Fits — Sunstroke 297 

If the animal is subject to them, a skilled veterinarian 
should be consulted. 

SUNSTROKE, HEAT EXHAUSTION 

In hot weather and when subjected to hard or 
fast work in the hot sun, horses sometimes lose con- 
sciousness and fall; or, as it is commonly expressed, 
they "have a sunstroke." Sunstroke differs from fits in 
the absence of excitement. The breathing is slow, and 
often of a snoring character; the pulse is slow, and 
not distinct. 

The harness should be removed and the horse 
placed in a comfortable position in the shade, and 
propped up on his brisket. Cold water should be 
dashed on the head, or cracked ice in a bag be applied 
to the poll. If the horse is conscious enough to drink, 
small quantities of cool water should be offered 
frequently. Four ounces of whiskey may be given, 
diluted in cold water. The horse should be sponged 
with cool water and rubbed briskly all over till he is dry 
and rested. Plenty of fresh air should be allowed, with- 
out a draught. 

The same treatment is to be given horses that have 
been over- driven in hot weather and are suffering from 
heat exhaustion. 

APOPLEXY 

Apoplexy is a very rare disease in animals. It is 
caused by the rupture of a blood-vessel in the brain, 
producing temporary unconsciousness and a loss of 



298 The Care of Animals 

control of certain muscles. This condition persists 
for some time, or may be more or less permanent. 
Apoplectic fits come on suddenly, and, after the ani- 
mal gains consciousness, recovery is slow. Parturient 
apoplexy in cows is a different disease. See page 212. 
An animal that has had a stroke of apoplexy is of 
little value and treatment is seldom worth while. 

PARALYSIS 

True paralysis is a lack of control of muscles, 
caused, in most cases, by injuries to the nerves. In 
all diseases where there is total or partial unconscious- 
ness, there is a lack of control; but, in true paralysis, the 
animal appears well, except that certain muscles are 
weak and flabby, and the animal has little or no con- 
trol over them. There is no pain, unless associated 
with an injury or caused by the pressure of a tumor. 
In old animals, there is often a paralysis of some of the 
muscles of the face. As a result, the healthy muscles 
pull the affected ones in the opposite direction, giving 
the face a wry appearance. Paralysis resulting from an 
injury usually disappears as the part returns to its 
normal state. In certain cases, rubbing the affected 
muscles with a stimulating liniment, and giving nux 
vomica internally, may be beneficial. Electricity is use- 
ful in some instances. Tincture of nux vomica may 
be given in doses of one drop (for a small dog) to 
thirty drops (for a horse), three times daily. Should 
any twitching of the muscles occur, the dose should 
be reduced or stopped altogether. ' 



CHAPTER XIV 

DISEASES AFFECTING THE SKIN AND EYE 

Diseases of the skin of animals can usually be 
traced to one of the following causes: parasites, 
either animal or vegetable; uncleanliness, which inter- 
feres with the functions of the glands of the skin; 
improper food or feeding; a disease of the nerves 
which is shown by an intense itching of the skin. 
Some of the commoner skin manifestations are brought 
together in this chapter for the convenience of the 
reader, even though they may not be closely related 
as to cause. 

"hidebound" 

This is not a disease, but only a symptom; although 
the term is commonly used by horsemen as if it meant 
a disease. In "hidebound" horses, the skin appears 
dry and shrunken on the bones. Such animals are 
out of condition, usually from being poorly nourished, 
either from a lack of sufficient food of good quality, 
or from inability to assimilate the food. In most cases, 
the remedy is abundance of nourishing and easily di- 
gested food; when this has been supplied without relief, 
other causes, such as diseased teeth, derangement of 
the digestive tract, or some chronic disease, as tuber- 
culosis, must be looked for. 

(299) 



300 The Care of Animals 

ECZEMA, INFLAMMATION OF THE SKIN 

Eczema is inflammation of the skin, associated with 
small blisters. It is usually found in horses in good 
flesh and that are fed on rich food. It is most com- 
mon toward the spring of the year, when the hair is 
long, or when the animal is beginning to shed its 
coat. 

The skin is red and slightly thickened, with small 
eruptive blisters that discharge a gummy substance 
that dries about the roots of the hair. When the 
horse is driven or worked so that he sweats, intense 
itching of the skin results. This is most severe in the 
region of the neck, although the legs are frequently 
affected. 

If the hair is long, it should be clipped. The 
parts should be thoroughly cleansed by washing with tar 
soap, then wiped dry, and a small quantity of oxide of 
zinc ointment, or other bland ointment, rubbed into 
the skin. Internally, the horse should be given four 
ounces of Epsom salts once daily until the bowels 
move freely; then the following: 

Nitrate of potash 4 ounces 

Common salt 4 " 

Sulfur 2 ♦* 

Pulverize, mix, and give a heaping teaspoonful in the 
feed twice daily. 

In all cases of itchy skin diseases, a thorough and 
careful examination should be made for parasites, 
especially lice. 



Scratches 301 

MUD FEVER 

This is a common name given to an inflammation 
of the skin of the legs, usually caused by the irrita- 
tion produced by mud and water in the spring of the 
year. In geldings it is sometimes caused by urine 
spattering against the fore legs. 

The skin is inflamed or tender. The hair looks 
rough, and it may come out in patches. The skin at 
the roots of the hair is scurfy and gummy. 

The treatment is practically the same as for 
eczema, except that internal medication is required 
only in severe cases. After the hair is clipped, the 
legs should be well dressed with some bland oil or 
ointment, such as castor oil or vaseline, before driving 
the horse in mud or wet. Keep the legs clean. 

SCRATCHES, GREASE -HEEL 

Scratches is an inflammation of the glands of the 
skin, especially in the region of the heels. When a simi- 
lar condition occurs in front of the hock joint it is 
called "sallenders "; at the back of the knee on the 
fore leg it is called "mallenders." 

In most cases, scratches is caused by some external 
irritant, such as mud, wet, or filth. It occurs most 
frequently in the winter or spring when the roads 
are muddy, or when the horses are confined in filthy 
quarters. The reason the disease usually occurs in 
the hind legs is because of their proximity to the 
manure. In some parts of the West, where alkali soils 



302 The Care of Animals 

prevail, the dust sticks in the hair when the horse 
sweats, and causes scratches in midsummer. Rope- 
burns under the fetlock may also cause scratches. 
Certain coarse -legged horses of the heavy draft type, 
with a thick growth of hair on the legs, are predis- 
posed to this trouble. In some cases of scratches, a 
form of mold has been found that has been thought 
to cause the disease. 

There is inflammation of the glands of the skin, 
the parts itch, and the hair stands erect. There is 
also a sticky discharge that adheres to the hair like 
dew; at first, the fluid is thin and colorless, but later 
it is gummy and may have a foetid odor. Transverse 
cracks appear in the skin, usually under the fetlock, 
but sometimes above it; the legs swell, the fetlock and 
pastern joints become stiff, and the horse is often lame 
on starting, owing to the soreness of the skin. In 
severe cases, a fungus -like growth of proud flesh, 
called "grapes," forms on the edges of the cracks, and 
the parts bleed easily and profusely. 

The first essential is to clean the part. This is 
best done by clipping the hair close to the skin and 
applying a warm poultice of scalded bran, linseed 
meal, or bread and milk; this should be applied 
from twelve to twenty -four hours, and changed at 
least twice a day. When the poultice is removed, the 
part must be thoroughly washed, and wiped dry, after 
all scabs, etc., are removed. Antiseptics should be 
applied, either in solution or dusted on as a fine 
powder. White lotion, or one ounce of copper sulfate 
dissolved in one pint of water, iodoform, acetanilid, or 



Scratches and Fouls 303 

boric acid, dusted into the sores, are all excellent for 
scratches. After applying the antiseptics, the part 
should be covered with some bland oily dressing, 
such as olive, raw linseed, or castor oil, fresh lard, 
vaseline, or glycerin. A solution of one part of car- 
bolic acid to twenty parts of glycerin or raw linseed 
oil is very good. The stable should be kept clean' 
and dry. When the horse is worked, the sore parts 
should be oiled or greased at least twice a day. 
When the parts are washed, they should be wiped 
dry and oiled, to keep the skin from chapping and 
cracking. 

In old, chronic cases, or when proud flesh or 
"grapes" have formed, after the part has been poul- 
ticed, the "grapes" should be cauterized with a stick 
of lunar caustic, or "butter of antimony," applied 
lightly with a swab, or tincture of iodin may be ap- 
plied once daily for a few days. Then treat as a simple 
case. 

FOULS IN CATTLE 

Fouls is an inflammation, often associated with sup- 
puration, of the skin and cellular tissues in the region 
of the toes of cattle. It usually occurs between the 
toes of the hind feet, or just above the toes ; but it is 
sometimes found in the front feet. 

Fouls is thought to be caused by certain germs or 
bacteria which invade the tissues in this region. Stand- 
ing in manure or filth, and running in muddy yards, are 
the most common causes, although injuries to the feet 
may bring on the disease. 



304 The Care of Animals 

There is inflammatioD, soreness, swelling and lame- 
ness. The toes spread apart, and the animal lies down 
more than usual, to relieve the feet. A small abscess 
may form, and a "core" slough out. In most cases, 
the tissues crack in the cleft between the toes, and a 
chronic indolent sore results that is difficult to heal. 
Chronic cases are liable to recur after they are appar- 
ently healed. 

Poultice for twelve hours, clean thoroughly and keep 
clean and dry. In recent cases, the cleft may be cleaned 
by drawing a rope through it. Then apply a liquid 
antiseptic : white lotion, a five per cent solution of 
carbolic acid, or copper sulfate (blue vitriol) one 
ounce to a pint of water. Pure turpentine is also good. 
Following the antiseptic, powdered air- slaked lime, or 
calomel, may be dusted into the cleft to dry up the 
discharge. In severe and chronic cases, it is necessary 
to burn out the sore with a stick of lunar caustic or 
chlorid ("butter") of antimony applied with a swab 
after poulticing. Then treat as a recent ease. 

TUMORS OF THE SKIN 

Warts are tumors of the skin. They may be found 
on any of the domestic animals, but are most frequent 
on horses and cattle. Their cause is not known, al- 
though an abnormal nutrition of the skin is the common 
explanation. 

In their early stages, warts can be destroyed by a 
solution of pure acetic acid, applying it drop by drop 
until the wart is saturated and soft. In a week or 



Warts and Tumors 305 

ten days the wart comes off. If it has not been re- 
moved by the "roots," another application should be 
made. If warts are large, the best way is to cut them out 
with a knife ; should they bleed profusely, the severed 
blood-vessels may be seared with a hot iron. Another 
good method is to tie a stout string firmly around the 
base of the wart, which will then soon slough off. 
Warts should be treated as soon as they are noticed. 

MELANOTIC TUMORS 

These tumors occur in gray, roan, or white horses. 
They contain much black pigment or coloring material. 
They are usually found in the region of the anus, be- 
tween the thighs or about the sheath. They occur as 
single tumors or in numbers, and often attain a large 
size. Thej^ should be cut out with a knife, care being 
taken to use proper antiseptic methods. 

CANCERS 

Cancers are malignant tumors which become raw, 
ulcerated and angry -looking. They may occur on any 
part of the body, but are most frequent on the head 
and lower part of the legs. The best treatment is re- 
moval with the knife: in cases in which this cannot 
be done, they can be sloughed out by applying one 
dram of fluid extract of belladonna, mixed with suffi- 
cient white arsenic to make a paste. After sloughing 
has taken place, the sore should be treated as a sim- 
ple wound. Cancers have already been discussed in 
Chapter VIII. 



306 The Care of Animals 

RUBBING THE MANE 

Itching of the skin at the roots of the mane is a 
common annoying condition, and one that, in some cases, 
is difficult to cure. The skin in the affected region 
should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water, 
then dried and an iodin ointment rubbed well into 
the skin. Give laxative food and Epsom salts (about 
four ounces) once daily until the bowels are loosened. 

RUBBING THE TAIL 

The causes for this trouble may be the same as for 
rubbing the mane, and the treatment is the same. It 
may also be caused by intestinal worms, especially pin- 
worms. For treatment, see "Intestinal Worms," Chapter 
XII, page 341. 

ERYSIPELAS 

Erysipelas sometimes occurs in horses, but rarely 
in other animals. It is an inflammation of the skin, due 
fro a specific germ that gains entrance through a wound, 
though the wound maybe so small as to pass unnoticed. 

The skin is hot, tender, swollen, and, if normally 
white, it turns very red. The inflammation and swell- 
ing affect the deeper tissues, which have a "doughy" 
feeling, pitting on pressure. There is a well-defined line 
between the healthy and the diseased parts. In severe 
cases there is a tendency toward the formation of a 
brownish, bad- smelling pus under the skin, and an 
extensive sloughing of diseased tissues. 



Erysipelas 307 

The diseased parts should be wet frequently, or 
covered with a cloth wet with the following mixture : 
Tincture of chlorid of iron, one ounce; alcohol, one 
pint; or sugar of lead, one ounce, water, one pint. Also 
give internally every three hours '• Tincture of chlorid 
of iron, four drams ; water, one pint. Three times 
daily, give an ounce of hyposulfite of soda, dissolved 
in a pint of water. When pus forms, the cavity should 
be opened and washed out twice daily with a solution 
of corrosive sublimate (1 to 1,000 parts of water), or 
a 5 per cent solution of carbolic acid. 

Erysipelas can be transmitted to other animals 
and to man by direct inoculation through a wound, 
or by infected instruments ; but it is not contagious, 
in the proper sense of the term. 

DISEASES OF THE EYE 

The eyes of lower animals resemble those of man 
very closely, but the form of the pupil may give them 
a different appearance. In the horse, the pupil is oval 
and horizontal. In the cat, it is vertical. In the eye 
of a horse there are small, dark brown, or black, 
rounded masses of coloring -matter, commonly called 
"soot -balls," attached to the edge (most frequently the 
upper edge) of the pupil. At the inner corner of the 
eye, in horses and cattle, there is a thin fleshy mem- 
brane commonly called the "haw," that can be swept 
across the eye to remove foreign bodies. This mem- 
brane is best developed in those animals that cannot 
rub the eyes. 



308 The Care of Animals 

Sometimes the "haw" becomes inflamed and swollen, 
or partially drawn across the eye, as in tetanus or 
"lock-jaw." This condition is called "hooks" by some 
horsemen. The affected haw is sometimes cut out ; the 
operation, however, is a cruel and useless one. Oper- 
ations of the eyes should be performed only by a skilled 
surgeon. 

JEctropium 

Ectropium is a turning out of the eyelid, usually the 
lower one, so that it presents a red and irritated appear- 
ance. It sometimes occurs in horses and dogs. It is 
usually the result of severe inflammation, or an injury. 
When this condition is permanent, the only treatment 
is to remove a V-shaped piece from the lower lid, 
stitching together the parts so as to bring the lid up 
to its normal condition. 

Diseases of the eyelids are not common among 
animals. 

Simple Ophthalmia 

This is a simple inflammation of the membranes 
covering the eye. It is usually the result of an injury, 
or of foreign bodies in the eye, such as lime from 
white -wash, chaff, or pollen. 

The eye is red and irritated, often the lids are red 
and swollen, and there is a profuse discharge of tears, 
that run down the face. The blood-vessels on the 
surface of the eyeball are distended, and the membrane 
that supports them presents a bluish or milky appear- 
ance. Strong light irritates the eye. 



Ophthalmia 309 

Seek and remove the cause. Foreign bodies can 
often be removed by wiping the surface of the e^^eball 
with a soft silk handkerchief. Lime should be washed 
out with an abundance of warm water. Then bathe 
the eye with cold water, apply cold cloths or bags of ice 
till the inflammation is reduced. If, however, inflam- 
mation should persist, bathing the eye with hot water 
three times daily for twenty minutes at a time is to be 
recommended. Following this, apply a few drops of a 
solution of boric acid, one dram in three ounces of 
water, twice daily with a dropper. 

Periodic Ophthalmia, ^^Moon Blindness ^^ 

Moon blindness is a periodic inflammation of the 
deeper structures of the eye of horses. Its cause is 
not known, although it is generally believed to be 
produced by germs or parasites. It was formerly 
thought that the changes of the moon caused this 
disease, but this is wholly erroneous. Mares af&icted 
with it should not be bred, as the disease tends to be 
hereditary. 

There is inflammation resembling simple ophthalmia, 
except that the surface of the eyeball is not so irri- 
tated ; but the deeper structures are more clouded, 
there is a profuse discharge of tears, the lids are 
swollen and are kept partially closed to shield from 
the light, the eyeball is very sensitive and appears to 
bulge outward. The inflammation subsides in a week 
or two ; the eye clears up, or nearly so; but there re- 
mains around the iris a slight yellow band, which 



310 The Care of Animals 

gradually becomes more marked. The attacks recur 
periodically, a few weeks or a few months apart. 

The disease runs its course to total and permanent 
blindness. The blindness can be greatly delayed 
by careful treatment. During an attack, the horse 
should be placed in a darkened stall, and the same 
treatment given as for simple ophthalmia. In addition 
to this, iodid of potash, in one -dram doses, should be 
given internally as a drench once daily for four or five 
days, then withheld for an equal time, and repeated. 
Quinine, in dram doses twice daily, is also beneficial. 

Catarrhal Conjunctivitis , " Pink - eye " 

Pink-eye is a contagious inflammation of the conjunc- 
tiva (the transparent covering of the eyeball), attacking 
horses, especially toward the spring of the year. This 
disease affects the whole system, more particularly the 
mucous membranes. It is a sort of influenza. There 
is a tendency for pregnant mares afflicted with it to 
abort. 

The eyes are red, with a thick, muco -purulent dis- 
charge. The appetite is slight, the bowels are consti- 
pated, and the temperature rises to 103° or 104°. 

Isolate the horse and disinfect the stall with creolin, 
or a 5 per cent solution of carbolic acid. Blanket the 
animal and keep him warm and comfortable. Give gruels 
and mashes for nourishment, and to loosen the bowels ; 
also give a heaping teaspoonful of nitrate of potash dis- 
solved in water, twice daily, to stimulate the kidnej-s 
and reduce the fever. Bathe the eyes with hot water 



Pink-eye 311 

three times daily for twenty minutes at a time, and 
drop in a solution of boric acid (one dram of acid to 
three ounces of clear water) after each application of 
hot water. 

Worm in the Eye 

In rare cases, the eyes of horses may be attacked 
by a small parasitic worm (Fillaria papillosa) that can 
be seen swimming in the chamber back of the pupil. 
If allowed to remain, it ultimately causes blindness. 
The only treatment is removal of the worm by a surgical 
operation, a small incision being made through the 
cornea. 



CHAPTER XV 

PARASITES 

Parasites are organisms, usually very small, that 
live either on the surface or within the body of a larger 
animal, called "the host," and gain their nourishment, 
directly or indirectly, at its expense. In some cases the 
parasites subsist on lifeless matter, but in other in- 
stances they secure their nourishment directly from the 
living tissues of the host. 

Some parasites belong to the vegetable kingdom ; for 
examplcj the mold -like fungi that cause "ringworm," 
or "barn itch," and a few other organisms of the sur- 
face of the skin, and some that live in the lungs or 
air- passages. Germs, or bacteria, are really minute 
plants, but diseases produced by these organisms are 
not ordinarily classed as parasitic. Many of them are 
classed with infectious and contagious diseases. 

Most parasites (as the term is commonly used by 
veterinarians) belong to the animal kingdom, and they 
can be divided into two general classes : the insect -like 
(including, for convenience, ticks and mites, which 
are closely related to insects) ; and a large variety of 
other animals, most of which are properly classed as 
worms. As a rule, parasites do not spread from one 
species of animal to another, as from cattle to sheep, 
but there are some important exceptions to this. 

Some species of these parasites pass only a part of 

(312) 



What Parasites Are Si 3 

their life as parasites, the remainder of it being passed 
outside, and independent of, the host's body. Others 
exist only as parasites. Of the latter, some kinds 
pass their whole life from generation to generation in 
the same species of host ; others spend a part of their 
lives as parasites in one species of host and require 
transfer to another species to complete their life-history. 
Some kinds, which do not ordinarily exist as parasites, 
become parasitic on accidentally entering the body of 
an animal. Parasites never originate spontaneously, 
but always come from parents which are like themselves 
at some stage in their life -history. 

Very young and very old animals are more liable to 
attack by parasites than vigorous middle-aged ones. 
Any conditions that lessen the vigor of animals tend 
to increase their susceptibility to parasitic diseases. 
Filth, crowding large numbers of animals together, and, 
lack of sufficient food are the general predisposing 
agencies. The opposite conditions — clean quarters, 
clean skin, plenty of nourishing, laxative food, exercise 
and sunlight — are invaluable in preventing these dis- 
eases and in the successful treatment of them. 

RINGWORM 

Ringworm is a disease caused by a fungus that grows 
in the skin. It is usually seen in cattle, but it may 
occur in horses, dogs, cats, as well as in man himself. 
In cattle it is most frequent toward spring, after the 
animals have been confined in stables during the winter. 
It is often called '^barn itch." The disease is not read- 



314 Tlie Care of Animals 

ily transmitted from one species of animal to another, 
but under favorable conditions cross -inoculation may 
occur. 

The disease is recognized by circular patches, varying 
in diameter from one -half inch to several inches, from 
which the hair has fallen. These patches usually occur 
about the head, neck or back. The skin from which 
the hair has fallen is slightly thickened and scaly. 
There is some itching of the affected part: 

Painting the diseased area with tincture of iodine 
once daily for a few days will kill the parasite. Tur- 
pentine, kerosene, and a solution of one part of carbolic 
acid in twenty parts of oil are all excellent. The 
disease is of little significance and yields readily to 
treatment. 

LICE 

Lice are small wingless insects, of a dull white color, 
that live upon the surface of the body of many different 
animals. Each host harbors its own special louse. 
It is seldom that a species of louse that belongs to a 
certain species of animal will choose a host of a differ- 
ent species, but in some cases and under favorable 
conditions a transfer may occur. Chicken lice will at- 
tack horses and human beings. Lice are large enough 
to be seen easily by the naked eye, but thej^ are often 
difficult to find on the hairy surface of the body, espe- 
cially when they are few in number and are hidden in 
the dirt and debris of the skin. The only other para- 
sites that may be mistaken for lice are the fleas, which 
are easily distinguished by their jumping habit ; the 



Lice 315 

ticks, which fasten themselves to the skin ; and the 
mites, which either burrow into the skin or live under 
crusts on the surface. Lice vary in size from minute 
white specks to some of the large bird lice, that may 
be one -third of an inch long. 

The eggs of the lice, commonly called "nits," are 
small white ovoid bodies attached to the hairs or 
feathers. Lice are exceedingly prolific. It has been 
estimated that under favorable conditions a pair of the 
louse of the human head can produce at the third gen- 
eration (in about twelve weeks' time) an aggregate of 
125,000 individuals ! 

The first symptom of louse infestation is itching of 
the skin around the point of attack. On most animals, 
the pests first appear in the region of the neck. On cat- 
tle they are most frequently found along the back, and 
on pigs just back of the ears. Lice are not confined to 
any region, however, occurring on any part of the body 
that is protected by hair or feathers. Any irritation of 
the skin, such as sweating, increases the itching. To 
relieve this, animals rub themselves against convenient 
objects, lick or scratch themselves with the feet or horns, 
and, in the case of fowls, with the bill. Lice of the 
biting kind often produce small, irritated spots, like 
pimples, on the skin. A careful and thorough examina- 
tion of the animal, in a good light, will reveal the in- 
sects, as well as the eggs or "nits " attached to the hairs. 
Animals suffering from lice usually present an unthrifty 
appearance, with ragged, dull hair or plumage, and 
dirty skin. 

In treating lousy animals which are confined, the 



316 The Care of Animals 

quarters must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected , 
and afterward given a coat of paint or whitewash that 
will fill all cracks. It is difacult to free animals from 
lice while in infested quarters. 

When applying remedies to destroy lice, a second ap- 
plication should be made after five to eight days, to kill 
the young that may have hatched from eggs laid before 
the time of the first application. Acid solutions, such 
as vinegar, one pint to a quart of water, are excellent 
for destroying "nits." During treatnjient the infested 
animals should be well supplied with good food. 
For cattle, horses, sheep and pigs, salting frequently 
with a mixture of one part of sulfur to five parts of 
common salt is to be recommended. When animals are 
treated with a solution, in winter, it should be applied 
on warm days, or the animals kept in a warm place 
until they are dry. 

In disinfecting quarters, all loose material, litter, 
etc., should be removed and burned. The quarters, 
rubbing- posts and other places likely to harbor the lice 
and " nits " must be thoroughly washed with a good 
disinfectant, such as a solution of one part of carbolic 
acid in twenty parts of water, and, when dry, white- 
washed. Kerosene oil, a strong solution of lye, car- 
bolic acid solutions and benzine are effective in destroy- 
ing parasites about the quarters of infested animals. 
In using benzine, care must be taken to prevent fire by 
not bringing a flame into the quarters until the vapor 
has entirely disappeared. 

Insect-powder is a good remedy to use on fowls, and 
on other animals when it is not practicable to employ a 



Lice 317 

solution. Fine dust, particularly that which contains 
much powdered air -slaked lime, is often effective in 
destroying lice on fowls; let the birds scratch in it. 
Air -slaked lime should be dusted into the corners and 
crevices of the quarters. Coal-tar applied hot to perches 
and walls, is very effective in keeping away house -mites 
of chickens. 

Very hairy animals are best treated with solu- 
tions that destroy the lice outright. One of the best 
remedies is an alkaline coal-tar product which, when 
added to water, produces a permanent milky emul- 
sion, that is very efficient in destroying parasites and 
does not injure nor irritate the animal. These coal-tar 
products are put on the market under various trade 
names, such as creolin, zenoleum, chloro-naphtholeum, 
sulfo-naphtholeum. They can be used in the proportion 
of one part of the medicine to fifty parts of water, or in 
bad cases one to thirty parts of water. 

Another remedy that gives good results is an in- 
fusion of tobacco, two to three ounces boiled in a quart 
of water. This solution must be used sparingly, as it is 
likely to nauseate the animal. 

Another good remedy is kerosene emulsion, which is 
made by dissolving one quart of soft soap or one -fourth 
pound of hard soap in two quarts of boiling water, and 
adding one pint of kerosene oil. By churning or pump- 
ing violently, then adding three quarts of water, the 
emulsion is made ready for use. Pure kerosene will 
usually take the hair off, and should not be used un- 
less it is washed off at once. 

Lathering small animals with tar soap or green 



318 The Care of Animals 

soap and warm, soft water and allowing it to remain 
for half an hour before washing off, is usually efficient. 
A solution made by boiling two ounces of stavesacre 
seeds in one quart of water is also excellent. 

PLEAS 

These insects can be easily recognized by their ability 
to jump. They are often found on cats and on long- 
haired (sometimes on short-haired) dogs. Any of the 
remedies for lice are efficient in destrojdng fleas. The 
quarters occupied by the infested animal should be 
disinfected. 

SCAB OF SHEEP AND CATTLE 

Scab in cattle, often called Texas- or range -itch, 
is found mostly among animals that are raised on the 
great plains of the West. The disease is caused by a 
very small itch mite, which lives on the surface and 
causes a scurfy and scabby condition of the skin, the 
mites living and reproducing under these scabs. The 
mites attacking cattle and sheep are different in kind, 
but they cannot be distinguished by the naked eye. 
The cattle mite does not attack other animals, except 
possibly temporarily, and then it does not reproduce. 
The same rule holds for the sheep mite. 

If some of the scabs and crusts at the edge of an 
area affected with scab are removed, placed in a clean 
dry glass bottle and allowed to remain for a few hours, 
minute white specks, barely visible to the naked eye, 
can be seen moving on the inside of the glass; these 



Scab 319 

are the mites. If they are examined with a lens, their 
outlines can be seen. 

Seal) of Sheep 
{Psoroptes communis, var. ovis) 

At first, itching of the skin is shown by the 
animal's scratching with its hind feet, or biting 
and palling wool. In bad cases, the wool may be 
shed over very large surfaces; but in ordinary cases the 
fleece has a ragged appearance and is wet and matted 
where the animal has bitten at it and pulled out tags 
of wool. The itching is more intense when the animals 
are warm with exercise. If the wool is parted over an 
itching spot and the skin examined closely, yellow pim- 
ples will be found which, on being pinched, exude a 
watery fluid. This fluid dries on the skin into yellow- 
ish, greasy scabs, which increase in area and thickness. 
These scabs are often torn off by the sheep, thus in- 
creasing the irritation. 

An animal affected with scab falls away in flesh, 
becomes weak and debilitated, and presents an unthrifty, 
ragged appearance. The disease is most severe during 
the fall and winter months, when sheep are closely con- 
fined and are fed on dry food. In the large sheep- 
growing regions of the Southwest, scab is a common 
and very serious disease, causing heavy losses, not so 
much from the death of animals as from the general 
debility which it produces in large herds, and the con- 
sequent loss of flesh. The scab mites are transmitted 
by direct contact and by means of the tags and scabs 
scattered on the ground in yards and pens. Infested 



320 Tlie Care of Animals 

stock-cars bring the disease to healthy animals. When 
sheep are closely confined in pens or feeding- yards the 
disease usually spreads rapidly. 

As soon as a case of scab is observed, the whole 
flock should be dipped in some solution which will de- 
stroy the parasites. Excellent remedies are the coal-tar 
products recommended for lice (p. 317). They are used 
in the strength of one part of the coal-tar preparation to 
50 or 75 parts of water. The dipping solution should be 
warmed to 110° F., and the sheep immersed for at least 
two minutes. During cold weather sheep should be dipped 
only on warm days and when well protected from cold. 

One of the most effective dips for sheep scab, and the 
one that is probably used in the West more extensively 
than all others combined, is commonly called the "lime 
and sulfur dip." This dip is cheap and the ingre- 
dients can be easily obtained. The greatest objection 
to it is that the lime is somewhat injurious to the wool. 
The following is the formula : 

Fresh quick-lime 8 pounds. 

Sulfur 24 pounds. 

Water 100 gallons. 

The lime and sulfur should be carefully weighed and pre- 
pared as follows: Slake the lime to form a thick paste, 
sift in the flowers of sulfur and stir well; put this mix- 
ture in a kettle with twenty -five or thirty gallons of 
water and boil for one hour at least; two hours is 
better. The chocolate-looking mass is allowed to settle, 
the clear liquid is drawn off and water enough is added 
to make one hundred gallons. The ooze or sediment 
should not be used in the dip. 



Dips for Sheep Scab 321 

Dips are rendered more ejffieetive by adding a decoc- 
tion of tobacco, about thirty pounds to 100 gallons of 
water. 

It is better to avoid dips containing arsenic, which, 
being poisonous, must be used with great caution. The 
following directions from the Department of Agriculture 
cover the subject well: 

"(1) Select a dip containing sulfur. If a prepared 
dip is used which does not contain sulfur, it is always 
safer to add about sixteen and one -half pounds of the 
sifted flowers of sulfur to every 100 gallons of water, 
especially if, after dipping, the sheep have to be 
returned to their old pastures. 

" (2) Shear all the sheep at one time, and imme- 
diately after shearing confine them to one half the farm 
for two to four weeks. Many persons prefer to dip 
immediately after shearing. 

"(3) At the end of this time, dip every sheep (and 
every goat, also, if there are any on the farm) . 

" (4) Ten days later, dip the entire flock the second 
time. 

" (5) After the second dipping, place the flock on the 
portion of the farm from which they have been excluded 
during the previous four or five weeks. 

" (6) Keep each sheep in the dip for two minutes by 
the watch; do not guess at the time, and duck its head 
at least once. 

" (7) Be careful in dipping rams, as they are more 
likely to be overcome in the dip than the ewes." 

When any number of sheep are to be treated, special 
dipping vats, constructed with draining pens, will be 



322 The Care of Animals 

found to be most economical. The vats should be fifty 
feet long and so arranged that the temperature can be 
maintained by steam admitted at the bottom. 

The dipping of sheep should be repeated within ten 
days ( preferably about a week ) , in order to destroy 
mites which hatch after the first dipping. Dipping 
sheep destroys not only the scab mite, but also sheep 
ticks (page 338) and other parasites of the skin. Scabby 
sheep should be carefully fed and cared for, and no 
healthy sheep allowed in contact with them or on 
ground that has been infested, until the disease has been 
eradicated and the premises disinfected. 

Scat of Cattle 

Cattle scab or itch is caused by a mite {Psoroptes 
communis, \SiV. hovis) very closely resembling the mite of 
sheep scab. It occurs mostly in the great cattle -grow- 
ing regions of the West, where it is known as Texas, 
range, or cattle itch. 

Cattle itch does not cause apparent trouble during 
the grazing season; but when the cattle are on dry feed 
in winter, or when first turned on grass in early spring, 
the trouble exhibits itself, and may cause considerable 
loss. It is usually confined to young cattle, or to those 
out of condition. The first symptom is an intense itch- 
ing of the skin, usually in the region of the neck and 
shoulders. The animals lick themselves, dig at the skin 
with their teeth or horns, rub against posts and other 
objects, sometimes even upon barbed wire, and often 
tearing the skin until it bleeds. 



Cattle IScal) ^123 

The itch gradually spreads along the back, sides, and 
down on the outside of the legs. It does not seem to 
occur on the inside of the legs, thighs, or the thin skin 
of the abdomen. In its early stages, the coat looks 
rough, the hair standing on end. The skin becomes 
scurfy, and, a gummy exudation from it forms a crust 
in the hair sometimes one -half an inch thick. The 
hair then comes off, or is rubbed from the badly 
affected areas, leaving bald patches of thickened, cal- 
loused and wrinkled skin. These patches often show 
first and most prominently on the top of the neck, which 
looks like the neck of an ox that has been calloused 
from wearing a yoke. 

After the hair comes off, the parasites leave the part, 
the bald areas get well, and the hair starts to grow 
again. Animals suffering from this disease have a de- 
jected and debilitated appearance, and fall away rapidly 
in flesh. They eat but little, and expend a considerable 
amount of time and energy in licking and scratching 
themselves. 

The itch spreads quite rapidly through a bunch of 
cattle, especially if tne general health of the animals is 
not good. Six or eight weeks after the introduction of 
an infested animal into a herd the disease is usually 
thoroughly .disseminated. Thrifty, vigorous animals 
resist infestation much longer than others, and, when 
attacked, recover much more quickly under treatment 
than do unthrifty animals. The disease appears to 
spread by direct contact of the infested with healthy 
animals, the itch mites passing directly from one animal 
to another. It is also spread by means of posts, feed- 



o24 The Care of Animals 

racks, mangers, against which contaminated animals 
have rubbed. 

As soon as this disease is discovered, those animals 
which show no symptoms of it should be removed to 
ground or yards not previously occupied by cattle hav- 
ing the disease. If such arrangement is not possible, 
all affected animals should be separated from the healthy 
ones, and all posts, mangers, and feed-racks, against 
which infested animals have rubbed, should be thor- 
oughly disinfected by scrubbing with a solution of one 
part of carbolic acid dissolved in twenty parts of water. 
Those animals which appear healthy should be care- 
fully watched, and should symptoms of the disease ap- 
pear the affected animals should be separated from the 
others at once. In short, every precaution should be 
taken to isolate the disorder, thereby reducing the ex- 
tent of the attack. 

The most successful medicinal treatment of cattle 
itch consists of a combination of external and internal 
remedies. The value of sulfur given internally in the 
treatment of parasitic diseases is well known. Sulfur 
is best administered in combination with salt, placed 
where animals can lick it at will. One pound of flowers 
of sulfur mixed with eight pounds of common salt is 
a good proportion. If cattle are not accustomed to 
eating salt, the quantity of this mixture should be lim- 
ited to a small handful at first, and gradually increased. 
The external treatment consists in the application of 
remedies that will destroy the parasites and eggs 
without injuring the animal. If a large number of 
cattle are affected, the most satisfactory method is to 



Dips for CaiiJe Itch 325 

build a dipping vat, through which the animals must 
swim in the dip used to destroj^ the mites. The vat 
should be forty feet long. Efficient remedies used for 
external application are some of the coal-tar products, 
such as car-sul, chloro-naphtholeum, zenoleum, creolin, 
etc.; these are used in two and one-half per cent solu- 
tions with water, that is, one part of the medicine to 
forty parts of water. A very effective and cheap dip 
is composed of lime and sulfur in the following 
propoitions : 

Flowers of sulfur 24 pounds. 

Unslaked lime . 8 pounds. 

Water 100 gallons. 

Slake the lime to form a thick paste, sift in the 
flowers of sulfur, and stir well ; put this mixture in a 
kettle with twenty -five or thirty gallons of water and 
boil for one hour at least ; two hours is better. The 
chocolate -looking mass is allowed to settle, the clear 
liquid is drawn off and water enough is added to make 
one hundred gallons. All dips should be used warm, 
from 100° to 110° F. Animals should be kept in the 
dip about two minutes, or until the scabs are thor- 
oughly saturated. A second dipping in about two' weeks 
will kill any mites that may have hatched after the first 
dipping. 

When only a few animals are affected, hand treat- 
ment can be resorted to, but it should be thoroughly 
done. The remedies can be applied with scrubbing- 
brushes, cloths or sponges, and all scabs and crusts 
should be thoroughly saturated. The remedy should be 



326 The Care of Animals 

applied warm, as in dipping. In dipping or hand treat- 
ing, warm sunny days should be chosen, as the animal 
suffers less. 

MANGE 

Mange is a parasitic skin disease which may attack 
any of the domestic animals, and even man himself. It 
is caused by a mite closely resembling the scab mite, 
but which burrows into the skin, and is consequently 
difficult to deal with. Each domestic animal has its 
own species of mauge mite. Mange is rarely seen except 
in dogs and cats. 

There is intense itching, which causes the animal 
to scratch and rub the affected part. The skin is red 
and thickened, and covered with small pimples that 
exude a slightly amber -colored fluid that dries on the 
surface and collects dirt. The disease gradually spreads 
until the animal presents a most disagreeable appear- 
ance. Besides looking badly, the animal loses flesh and 
suffers greatly from the intense itching. 

The animal should be isolated from others of the 
same species, and the hair covering the infected region 
should be clipped. Then apply green soap, which is 
allowed to remain for five hours. When it is washed 
off with warm water all scabs and scurf are removed. 
The parts should be wiped dry and one of the follow- 
ing remedies applied by rubbing it thoroughly into the 
diseased skin : 

Formula No. 1 — Creolin 1 ounce. 

Oil of tar .1 ounce. 

FlowGTS of sulfur 1 ounce. 

Lard or vaseline 8 ounces. 



Mange 327 

Mix all together and rub into the affected skin once 
daily for three or four days ; then withhold for a week, 
and apply again. 

Formula Ro. 2. — Crude petroleum, especially a vari- 
ety that is known as "dynamo -oil," is excellent when 
combined with one part of sulfur to eight parts 
of oil. 

Formula No. 3. — Turpentine and carbolic acid are 
excellent remedies, but they must be diluted with at 
least ten parts of oil, lard or vaseline, as they are too 
irritating when applied strong. 

In treating cases of mange, the quarters are to be 
kept clean, dry and airy. It is well to disinfect and 
whitewash or paint them. No harness or other equip- 
ment or utensils should be used on a healthy animal 
without first disinfecting it by boiling for twenty 
minutes. 

FLIES 

It is difficult to estimate the losses that result from 
the attacks on domestic animals by the various kinds 
of flies, especially by those which gather about stables 
and 3'ards where the animals are confined. These pests 
are rarely the direct cause of the death of an animal, 
but the continued irritation and worry result in loss of 
flesh in cows and in diminution of the milk flow, to 
say nothing of the annoyance to those who care for the 
stock. 

The handling of these annoyances is preventive. 
In most cases, the adult fly deposits her eggs in manure 
heaps or other decomposing organic matter that re- 



328 The Care of Anirnah 

tains some moisture, and in a short time swarms of 
young flies emerge. The removal of such material pre- 
vents the breeding of the insects. It also removes a 
part of the food supply of the old insects. In many 
cases stables can be protected by fly -screens, or darkened 
so that the flies will not pester the inmates. Animals 
can also be well protected in some cases by the use of 
individual fly -nets. There are upon the market some 
excellent remedies which, when applied to the skin of 
the animal by means of a brush or spray, are offensive 
to flies and will protect the animal until the applica- 
tion evaporates. 

A solution of one part of carbolic acid in twenty 
parts of water, or a solution of one part of creolin or 
similar coal-tar product to fifty parts of water, sprinkled 
about the stable, tends to keep the flies away, as well as 
to disinfect the stable. 

MAGGOTS 

Most of the maggots on animals are the larval or 
"grub" stage of the flesh-fly which swarms about dwell- 
ings and stables. The adult fly deposits the small, living 
larvaB on fresh meat, as well as on the surfaces of 
wounds, especially where the tissues have been injured 
to a considerable depth. It also deposits larvse in the 
wool of sheep where it has collected manure and other 
filth and become matted. The larvge may then work 
their way into the skin, causing extensive sores, which 
may result in the death of the animal. 

There is considerable irritation, as shown by the ani- 



Mof/f/ots 329 

mal's shaking or thrusting at the affected part. The 
diseased area appears lifeless and spongy; when opened, 
the living, wriggling parasites are found in the decom- 
posing tissues. Infestation by maggots occurs only in 
warm weather. 

Cleanliness is the first essential to treatment. Sheep 
with much wool should be "tagged" in early spring; 
that is, the wool should be trimmed away from the 
anal opening and vicinity, as well as from about the 
penis, so that there will be no opportunity for the 
wool to collect filth. This will usually prevent the 
difficulty in these regions. In case a wound has been 
attacked, the dead and diseased tissue, with as many of 
the parasites as possible and the surrounding hair and 
wool, should be carefully removed. Kerosene oil and 
turpentine are effective in destroying the parasites. 
Turpentine should not be used on a raw wound, nor 
about the anal opening, as it will cause too much 
irritation. A solution of carbolic acid (one part to 
twenty parts of water) is also good. After destroying 
the larvae, the wound should be protected by tar, or by 
pure creolin or similar products. Axle -grease is also 
useful. 

THE SCREW -FLY 

In Texas and other southern regions, it is very com- 
mon for wounds upon domestic animals to become in- 
fested by the larvas of the screw-fly {Compsomyia macel- 
laria). These larvae are commonly called "screw- 
worms." The adult is a small, bluish green fly, with a 
brown head, and with three black stripes lengthwise 



330 The Care of Animals 

the thorax. The adult fly deposits its eggs on the sur- 
face of a wound. They hatch within a few hours, the 
larvse (maggots) burrowing their way into the tissues, 
where they remain for about a week. Then they escape 
to the ground, pupate, and soon change into adult flies. 

In some regions the screw -worms are a great pest, 
and cause serious loss to live stock. They attack an 
animal in even the smallest wound, such as the punc- 
tures made hj ticks, wire cuts, brands, and the like. 

The treatment recommended by Dr. Francis, of 
Texas, is to use pure creolin, or similar coal-tar prod- 
uct, in a machinist's oil-can, squirting it thoroughly into 
the wound. Oil of tar is also good. Fresh wounds can 
be protected by covering with tar. 

THE HORN -FLY 

The horn -fly is a small insect {RcematoMa serrata) 
about half the size of the common house-fly, and of the 
same general shape. It was imported into America about 
1887, and has spread over the whole country. It is a 
European insect. It causes considerable irritation to 
cattle, and a consequent loss of milk and flesh. The 
name comes from the fact that these flies collect in 
large numbers at the base of the horn to rest. They 
do not bother cattle when in this position, but bite 
them on the skin of the back, sides and flank. 

Apply some substance to the surface of the animal's 
body to keep the flies away. A mixture of equal parts 
of pine-tar, kerosene and fish-oil is excellent. The tar 
is first "cut" by the kerosene, then the fish-oil is added. 



Horn -flu — Bois 331 

This mixture is brushed over the surface of the hair as 
often as may be necessary. There are some excellent 
anti-fly remedies on the market that can be applied in a 
fine spray from an instrument made for that purpose. 
As the flies deposit their eggs in fresh manure, their re- 
production can be stopped by spreading the manure 
where it will dry rapidly. 

BOTS IX HORSES 

Bots are the larval form of the bot-fly {GastropMlns 
equi) . The adult female is about the size of a honey- 
bee. She is frequently seen during the latter part of the 
summer flying about horses and depositing her small 
yellow eggs on the hair of the legs, breast and other 
parts of the body. When these eggs become moistened 
by the horse's biting them from the hair, they hatch, and 
the young larv^ make their way from the horse's mouth 
down his throat and attach themselves by two small 
hooks to the mucous lining of the stomach. Here they 
remain during the fall, winter and spring. In the early 
summer they loose their hold upon the stomach, pass 
out with the dung, burrow into the ground and pupate. 
The adult fly soon emerges and, after mating, deposits 
her eggs, and the life -cycle is complete. 

The larv^, or "bots" as they are commonly called, 
are frequently found by the hundreds attached to the 
walls of the stomach (Fig. 51); and yet practically no 
bad effects have been observed in living animals. It is 
possible that, in some instances, they may mechanically 
block the passage from the stomach into the intestines. 



332 



The Care of Animals 



They may also cause some irritation in the stomach, 
but, so far, veterinarians have been unable to diagnose 
their presence or to attribute disease directly to them. 
There is a popular belief that bots may eat holes 
through a horse's stomach; but this is not correct, 




Fig. 51. Bots in horse's stomach 

though it is possible that the irritation caused by the 
attachment of a bot may weaken the walls. When a 
horse dies, the gastric juice may digest the walls of the 
stomach, although this is rare. It may digest holes at 
the irritated places where bots have been attached. 
An amateur, in examining the stomach after death, 
might conclude readily, but erroneously, that the bots 
had eaten the holes. 



Bots 333 

There is no treatment known that will remove the 
bots ; they are extremely resistant to substances applied 
to their bodies. The writer placed a portion of a horse's 
stomach, with bots attached to it, in absolute alcohol, 
and found the bots alive and active six hours afterward. 
The only practical treatment is preventive, i. e., de- 
stroying the adult fly as soon as she is observed about 
horses, or scraping the eggs from the hair with a sharp- 
bladed knife once a week. This practice will prevent 
the eggs from hatching and the bots from getting into 
the horse's stomach. The giving of medicines inter- 
nally to remove bots is useless. 

BOTS IN CATTLE 

There are two cattle bot-flies, or " warble- flies " as 
they are often called, that are closely related and 
resemble each other in appearance and life -history. 
Only one of these {Hypoderma lineata) is found in the 
United States; this one occurs most frequently in 
the southern parts, although it is generally dis- 
tributed. 

The adult of this species is about the size of the 
honey-bee. She deposits her eggs in summer on the 
skin of cattle in the region of the heel, causing the 
animal much discomfort. When the animal licks 
the part, the eggs are taken into the mouth, where 
they hatch : and the larvas, after remaining for some 
time in the esophagus, or gullet, finally work their 
way into the cellular tissue beneath the skin of 
the back. Here they remain and develop until early 



334 The Care of Animals 

spring, forming the lumps commonly known as "war- 
bles." When fully developed, the larvae, or "grubs," 
work their way out through small openings in the skin, 
drop to the ground, into which they burrow and pupate, 
finally emerging as adult flies. 

These bot- or gad-flies of the ox cause much loss 
to the cattle industry, not only on account of the serious 
discomfort visited upon cattle by the adult' fly in de- 
positing her eggs, but also by the damage to hides due 
to the presence of the openings over the "warbles." 
"Grubby" hides are usually docked one -third in the 
market. 

All adult bot-flies observed about cattle should be 
killed, and, from January on, every "warble" should 
be treated by applying turpentine to the small pore 
or opening directly over the lump. This will kill 
most of the warbles; the few that remain should be 
squeezed out and destroyed, each one so treated pre- 
venting the development of a fly. If this practice were 
generally and carefully followed, the fly could be exter- 
minated. The adult flies do not travel far, so that a per- 
son, by this means, can largely rid his own cattle of this 
pest. 

SHEEP BOT-FLY, "GRUB IN THE HEAD" 

There is a small brown fly {Oestrus ovis) , about the 
size of the common house-fly, which in the summer and 
fall is seen in swarms about flocks of sheep. It greatly 
annoys the animals by depositing living larvge in the 
nostrils. To avoid these pestiferous flies, the sheep 
often stand with their noses close to the ground, 



Bots in Sheep 835 

especially if the ground is dusty; they also collect in 
bunches with their heads together for protection. The 
larva, as soon as it is deposited in the nostril, makes its 
way up the nose into the sinuses or cavities connected 
with the nasal chambers, where it attaches itself to the 
mucous membrane by two small hooks. Here it remains 
uutil fully developed, when it loosens its hold and drops 
to the ground to pupate. Finally, an adult fly emerges. 

While the larvae, or grubs, are in the sinuses of the 
head, they cause great irritation. The animal snorts and 
blows the nose, and there is discharge of pus and 
mucus from the nostrils. The harm done by this pest 
is due to the annoyance and worry that it causes the 
sheep. The writer has never seen a case where death 
could be directly attributed to this fly. There is a dis- 
ease due to another parasite, called "gid" or "sturdy," 
which is often confused with the sheep bot, that does 
cause death; but this pest seldom occurs in America. 
See page 340. 

The best treatment consists in preventing the fly 
from depositing the larvae in the nostrils of the sheep; 
this may be accomplished by keeping the sheep's nose 
well smeared with pine -tar. When there are but few 
sheep, the tar can be applied by catching the animals; 
when there are large numbers, salt is usually put in the 
bottom of V-shaped troughs, the sides of w4iieh are 
thoroughly smeared Avith tar. It is a good plan to 
apply tar once a week during the fly season. When 
sheep are seriously affected, they may be sent to the 
shambles. If valuable, a good surgeon should be em- 
ployed to remove the parasites. 



336 The Care of Animals 

TICKS 

Ticks and mites are closely related, to the spider 
tribes. They are not insects. Most of the ticks are 
only partially parasitic; that is, only a part of their 
lives is spent upon the bodies of other animals. 

The most injurious parasitic tick is the southern 
cattle tick {Boophilus annulatus) . Fig. 52«. This crea- 
ture is important, not only because of the 
losses resulting from its attacks, but also 
because it is the carrier of the germs of Texas 
or southern cattle fever from southern to 
susceptible northern cattle. The southern 
cattle tick is reddish or grayish in color; the 
adult female's body is about one -third of 
an inch in length, and resembles in shape 
Southern a Small castor bean. It attaches itself to the 
natural \k^e. skiu of cattlc, particularly in the regions 
mai^r?^ Xwer! whcrc it is thiu, as between the thighs, on the 
^°''''^' belly, between the fore-legs and on the neck. 

The female, when fully developed and distended with 
blood and eggs, looses her hold on the animal, drops 
to the ground, and deposits a large number of eggs, 
which cover her body. The eggs hatch in from two to 
six weeks. The young ticks, crawling up on grass, 
are brushed off by grazing cattle. They crawl up the 
legs of the animals and attach themselves so fiirmh^ to 
the skin that they can be pulled off only with difficulty. 
The southern cattle ticks are found in all the southern 
states. They are more numerous in a brushy country 
than on the high, open prairies. 




Southern Cattle Tick 337 

Ticks are very resistant to efforts made to destroy 
them; it is with difficulty that they can be killed with- 
out injuring the animal to which they are attached. 
In case there are only a few, they can be scraped off 
with a knife -blade. When they occur in large num- 
bers the most effective treatment is to dip the animal. 
In Australia, where the ravages of the tick cause serious 
loss, the following preparation, known as Christian's dip, 
is the most effective one known to-day. The formula 
for this dip, as recommended by Dr. Hunt, is as follows: 

Arsenic 10 pounds 

Soda 28 pounds 

Soap • 5 pounds 

Stockholm tar 7X pounds 

Water • . . 400 gallons 

The arsenic, soda and soap are boiled together in a 
small quantity of water. The tar is then added; then 
the remainder of the water. Some persons boil the 
whole of the liquid in the dip, and by that means the 
tar is well mixed. 

Although many experiments have been made and 
remedies devised in this country to remove ticks, none 
lias so far proved perfectly effective in removing the 
danger of infection. Dipping -tanks containing water 
and certain kinds of crude petroleum called dynamo-oil 
afford the means for destroying many of them. 

It should be remembered that the cattle get ticks from 
infested pastures, and that tO' prevent their having ticks 
or becoming reinfested after dipping, they should be 
kept from such pastures. The discussion of the Texas, 
cattle fever itself will be found in Chapter XVI. 

Y 



338 The Care of Animals 

There are a number of species of ticks in the South 
that infest cattle and other animals, but this cattle tick 
is the most important. The sheep tick, so called, is not 
a tick, but a fly. It is of a reddish or grayish color, 
about one -fourth of an inch long. It is readily de- 
stroyed by any of the dips which are effective for scab. 

LIVER FLUKES 

Liver flukes (Distoma hepaticiim) are small, flat, 
lance-shaped worms, varying in length from one-fourth 
to one -half an inch. The worm attacks cattle, sheep, 
goats and pigs. It is most frequently found in warm, 
moist climates and on low, wet lands where there is 
stagnant water. It usually attacks young animals. 
It causes heavy losses among sheep and calves in some 
countries. It has been estimated that a million sheep 
die annually from this disease. It is common in the 
southern part of the United States. An adult fluke, 
infesting the liver of an animal, lays a large number 
of eggs, which pass out with the dung and fall into 
water, where they soon hatch, and attack snails, pass- 
ing one stage of their life -history as a parasite of 
this animal. From the snail, another free -swimming 
form of the parasite escapes, and infests drinking water. 
When these parasites are taken in by a susceptible ani- 
mal they work their way to the liver and there become 
adult parasites. 

In a few cases, in the early stages, an animal may 
die from apoplexy, caused by some of the parasites 
lodging in the brain; but in most cases the symptoms 



FluJces in the Liver 339 

appear gradually and increase in severity until the 
animal dies from general emaciation. 

The first symptom noticed is that the animal is out 
of condition; the skin and mucous membranes are pale, 
the hair or wool is dry or rough, the appetite is lost, 
and the animal drinks large quantities of water. Drop- 
sical swellings appear in dependent parts of the body. 
The bowels may be constipated or there may be profuse 
diarrhea. These symptoms become more aggravated 
until death takes place. 

Microscopic examination of the discharges from the 
bowels will often reveal large numbers of the eggs. 
After death, the liver is found to contain diseased, 
yellowish nodules, each of which contains one of the 
flat, ovoid flukes. 

The most satisfactory treatment is to prevent the 
disease by removing the animals to uninfested pastures, 
especially to those which are high and dry, and allowing 
them only pure fresh water. In the early stages of 
the trouble, an abundance of nutritious, easily -digested 
food will do much to assist in overcoming it. Salting 
the animals daily with a mixture of one part sulfur 
to six parts of common salt is also good. Medicines, 
except in the way of tonics, are of little value in the 
treatment of this disease. 

BLOOD -WORMS OF THE HORSE 

In the arteries which supply the intestines with blood 
there are frequently found dilations, or pouches, which 
are caused by the presence of small round worms 



340 TJie Care of Animals 

(Sclerostoma armatum) . These worms frequently shut 
off the circulation of the blood to the intestines, and 
give rise to acute and violent colic that sooner or later 
causes the death of the animal. 

There is no method of recognizing this disease before 
death, but it should be suspected in horses and mules 
that are subject to violent colic without apparent cause. 
After death, each dilation of the artery (aneurism) is 
found to be filled with small worms. There is no 
satisfactory treatment. 

GID, OR STAGGERS, IN SHEEP 

This disease, which is rare in America, is caused by 
the presence of a parasite in the brain. The parasite 
(Coenurus cerehralis) is the cystic, or larval, form of a 
tapeworm {Tcenia coenurus) which infests the dog, 
wolf and fox. The sheep become infested while pas- 
turing or drinking where dogs and foxes have scattered 
the eggs of this tape -worm. After they are taken into 
the stomach, these eggs hatch, and the larvse bore their 
way through the tissues until they reach the brain, 
where they form cysts about half an inch in diameter, 
filled with a watery fluid in which hang a large number 
of little balls, or knobs. 

Lambs and young sheep are most liable to infection 
by these parasites. In the early stages, the animal 
appears dull, the head is carried in peculiar positions, 
turned to one side, upward, or drooped toward the 
ground. The animal has a tendency to walk in a circle, 
sometimes to the right and sometimes to the left; there 



Gid — Intestinal Worms 341 

are convulsions and trembling of the muscles. The 
animal gradually becomes weaker, until it is unable to 
walk, and finally dies. 

In rare cases, the larv£e have been removed surgically 
by cutting out a section of the skull -bone. But the only 
practical treatment is preventive. Sheep must be kept 
off infected pastures and away from dogs or other 
animals that scatter the infection. The heads of sheep 
dying from gid should be destroyed by boiling or burn- 
ing, so that the cysts will not be eaten by dogs and 
spread the contamination. 

INTESTINAL WORMS 

The digestive tract is frequently infested with para- 
sitic worms. These are found particularly in the stomach 
and intestines. They are common in the dog, cat, pig, 
horse and sheep, and occasionally are found in cattle. 
In most cases, intestinal worms gain their nourishment 
from the partially digested food, but some may live on 
blood, or pus or serum which exudes from irritated 
tissues to which the worm may be attached. 

Intestinal and related worms may be divided into 
four classes: the flat, segmented, and usually long, 
tape-worm ; the flat, lance-shaped fluke-worms, found 
in the liver; the thorn -headed round -worms; and the 
common round-worms. 

The tape-worms (Fig. 53) are usually long, often mea- 
suring many feet, but in some cases they may not be over 
a half inch in length. Part of their life.- history is as fol- 
lows: The adult worm infesting: the intestine of the host 




342 The Care of Animals 

deposits eggs which pass out with the excrement. When 
these eggs are taken into another animal's system, 
either in the food or the water, they hatch into a 
minute, migratory, larval form, that bores its way 
through the tissues until it reaches some suitable place, 
often in the muscle, where it becomes encysted. These 
cysts are small, rounded, yellowish masses, containing 

the worm -like' structure 
that is often visible to 
the naked eye. These 
cysts, when observed in 
the muscular tissue of 

Fig. 53. Head and section pork, chickcU, duck,etC., 

of tape-worm. ^^^ commouly Called 

"measles," and the meat is said to be "measly" (page 351). 
In fish, the encysted forms of worms found in the mus- 
cular tissue are commonly called "grubs," or "worms." 

The cycle of the round -worms found in the intes- 
tines is as follows : The egg deposited by the adult 
passes out with the excrement, and gets into the 
food or water which may be eaten by other animals 
In some instances, it is necessary that the Qgg be taken 
in by a certain animal, in which it undergoes a larval 
stage. In some worms, the young are brought forth 
alive. The life-history of the fringed tape- worm {Tcenia 
marginata) , which is frequently found infesting the 
livers and small intestines of sheep in the middle west, 
is unknown. 

When an animal is badly infested with intestinal 
worms, some of the following symptoms are usually 
show^n : The coat is likely to be rough and staring. 



Intestinal Worms 343 

the appetite is usually capricious, and the animal does 
not appear to be in as good condition as the amount 
of food consumed would warrant. There is often itch- 
ing about the anus, which causes the animal to rub 
against various obstacles, often wearing away the hair 
at the roots of the tail. The worms, or eggs, are 
usually passed with the dung, as a close examination 
with the lens may reveal. In horses, there is frequently 
a collection of a whitish-yellow substance close to the anal 
opening. In dogs and sheep, small, white, rectangular 
segments of the flat tape -worm can frequently be ob- 
served in the excrement. Owing to the habits of the 
animal, the pig and dog are most frequently attacked 
by intestinal worms. Sheep are frequently infested 
with tape -worms, derived from pastures or drinking 
places infected by dogs, especially by the dogs used in 
herding sheep. Young animals that are out of condi- 
tion, or those fed largely on one kind of food, are 
more liable to attack by intestinal worms. 

Preventive treatment is more satisfactory and eco- 
nomical than medicinal. Animals liable to attack 
should be kept in vigorous, thrifty condition by allow- 
ing them sufficient and suitable food in variety. Com- 
mon salt should be supplied to the animals, but not 
mixed with the food. The quarters, as well as the 
food and water, should be kept clean and free from in- 
festation and contamination. In many cases, if animals 
affected with w^orms are given a good variety and an 
abundance of nutritious, laxative food, with some tonic 
medicine, they recover their normal condition without 
further medicinal treatment. 



844 The Care of Animals 

The following tonic condition powders are excellent 
for horses : 

Sulfate of iron, pulverized 4 ounces 

Nitrate of potash, pulverized . . . ^ 2 ounces 

Ginger root, pulverized 2 ounces 

Gentian root, pulverized 2 ounces 

Nux vomica seed, pulverized .2 ounces 

Mix all together thoroughly, and give from a small to a' 
heaping teaspoonful in the feed two or three times 
daily. A mixture of two parts by measure of commom 
salt, two parts of wood ashes and one part of sulfur,, 
mixed and placed where animals can have access to it, is 
excellent, not only as a preventive, but as treatment. 
Before giving medicines (vermifuges) for the purpose 
of killing or removing worms, the animal should be fed 
very sparingly for forty -eight hours. The medicine 
should be given on an empty stomach and followed by a 
brisk purgative to expel the worms from the intestines. 
Turpentine is an excellent remedy, in doses ranging 
from one dram for small animals to one to two ounces 
for the horse. The turpentine should always be w^ell 
diluted, either with milk, olive oil, or raw linseed oil, so 
that it will not blister the mouth or throat. These 
doses should be given once daily, for two or three days, 
and followed by a good purgative. 

For tape -worms in sheep and lambs, koosoo in doses 
of two to three grains given in two ounces of castor 
oil is excellent; as is also ethereal extract of male- 
shield fern in one dram doses combined with four 
ounces of castor oil. All vermifuges should be given 



Intestinal Worms 345 

after the animal has fasted. Animals to be treated 
should be confined in a yard until after the worms have 
been expelled, and no uninfested animals should be 
allowed on the ground until it has been thoroughly 
disinfected. It is seldom advisable to treat very weak 
and debilitated lambs. When the whole of the tape- 
worm has been expelled, the small, tapering head-end of 
the worm can be found in the discharges if a careful 
examination is made. The upper drawing in Fig. 53 
shows the general appearance of the head of a 
tape -worm. 

For tape-worms in dogs, give pulverized areca nut, 
about two grains for every pound weight; or the 
ethereal extract of male - shield fern, in one - half 
dram doses combined with an ounce of castor oil, 
for average sized dog. An excellent remedy for all in- 
testinal worms in dogs, and especially the round -worms, 
is a mixture of 

Turpentine 1 part 

Pine-tar ,8 parts 

Raw linseed oil 8 parts 

The tar should be "cut" with the turpentine and then 
thoroughly mixed with the oil. The dose is from one 
to four ounces, depending on the size and age of the 
animal. It is to be given on an empty stomach, after 
the animal has fasted from eighteen to twenty -four 
hours. Food and water are to be withheld for four 
to six hours after the medicine has been given. 

In giving medicines containing oil, great care must 
be taken to prevent choking. Small animals should be 



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stomach -IV or m hi Sheep 347 

depraved appetite, craving dirt, dung and litter. The 
eye is dull, the mucous membranes pale, and the wool 
lacks luster. A profuse diarrhea finally sets in, which 
is usually fatal. 

On opening the animal after death and very carefully 
examining the contents of the fourth stomach, that lies 
just back of the "manifolds," a large number of small 
round worms, white or reddish brown in color and 
about one inch long, will be found attached to the walls 
of the stomach or twisted together in bunches. Unless 
one is familiar with them, they are likely to be over- 
looked, especially if there is much food in the stomach ; 
but, by washing the contents away carefully and exam- 
ining closely, the parasites can be found. 

Healthy lambs should be removed from those show- 
ing signs of this disease, placed on high, dry pastures, 
and allowed to drink only pure, uninfested water. 
Gasoline is one of the best remedies for this disorder. 
One tablespoonful, shaken up in four ounces of sweet 
milk, is a dose for a lamb weighing from sixty to one 
hundred pounds. The lamb should fast from the 
evening before until ten o'clock in the morning, when 
the medicine is given, and no food or drink allowed 
for three hours thereafter. This treatment is to be re- 
peated for three days in succession, and again in a 
week or ten days, if there is no improvement. Unless 
the animal is much better, it is a good plan to repeat 
the treatment. Be sure to put the lamb on his rump 
while drenching, and do not tip the head back, or it will 
strangle. The Ohio Experiment Station found the 
above to be the best treatment for this disease. 



348 The Care of Animals 

In this, as in all other parasitic diseases, preventive 
treatment is the better and more economical. Sheep 
and lambs should be kept from infested pastures, and 
(in localities where the disease prevails) away from 
low, wet lands and stagnant water. As lambs acquire 
the parasite from the pasture or the drinking place, 
they do not contract the disease if they are kept housed. 

LUNG-V70RM 

Lambs, pigs and calves are the animals most fre- 
quently attacked by this parasite (Stronylus filar ia) , 
although adults may be affected. It is seldom found in 
other species of animals. There are several kinds 
of worms that may attack the lungs, but the one men- 
tioned is most frequent, and does the most damage. 
It is closely related to the stomach -worm of the sheep. 
The young animals usually contract the disease from 
infested pastures, drinking places, troughs or pools of 
stagnant water. 

The animals fall away in flesh and present an un- 
thrifty appearance. They are subject to violent fits of 
coughing and strangling, often raising frothy mucus, 
which contains the small white thread-like worms, from 
one -half inch to one inch in length. The coughing 
increases and the debility becomes more marked until 
the animal dies. Usually there is difficult breathing, 
which is most marked when the animal is coughing, or 
directly afterwards. 

If the animal is fat and in good condition, it is 
often the most economical plan to sell it to the butcher. 



Lung -worm 349 

All well animals should be separated from the sick 
ones and put on uninfested ground or quarters. There 
are two plans of treatment. One is to place the in- 
fested animals in a close room or tent and fumigate 
with sulfur by sprinkling it on live coals. The atten- 
dant should stay with the animals, keeping his head 
on the same level as theirs until he can stand the 
fumes no longer. Then admit fresh air. This treat- 
ment should be given once daily for three or four 
days. 

Another treatment, which is more satisfactory, is 
to inject medicine into the trachea, or windpipe, by 
means of a hypodermic syringe. A mixture of one 
part of turpentine in two parts of olive oil is very good. 
Another remedy is : 

Carbolic acid X ounce 

Turpentine 4 ounces 

Olive oil 8 ounces 

Whichever of these remedies is used, the ingredients 
must be thoroughly mixed, and from one to three tea- 
spoonfuls injected into the trachea once a day for three 
days. The animal must be placed on his rump and 
held between the knees while the hypodermic needle 
is inserted into the trachea two or three inches below 
the throat, and the medicine gradually injected. In 
treating animals affected with this or similar parasitic 
diseases, the animals are to be well fed, as soon as the 
medicinal treatment has been completed, with plenty of 
nourishing food. To build up the system is to assist 
nature in overcoming the disease. As a general rule, 



350 The Care of Animals 

parasites and contagious diseases attack weak, debilitated 
animals in preference to vigorous, healthy ones. 

GAPES IN FOWLS 

Gapes in chickens is due to the presence of a small 
round -worm (Syngamus trachealis) in the trachea, or 
wind-pipe. The female worm is about one -half an inch 
long; the male, which is attached to the female, is less 
than half as long. When the worms are found in the 
trachea they are attached to the mucous membrane, 
from which they obtain the blood that nourishes them. 
After being detached, the male presents the appearance 
of a smaller worm growing or branching from the larger. 

The worms are usually found in young, weak 
chickens, but in some cases they attack strong birds. 
The chickens contract the disease from food or water 
containing the eggs, or "catch" it from diseased chick- 
ens. It is said that angle worms from infested ground 
often harbor the eggs or the young worms, and that 
when these "foster parents" are fed to healthy chickens 
they will transmit the disease. 

One of the first symptoms is sneezing, followed by 
gaping and attempts to get rid of the worm in the 
windpipe. In case there are many worms, or the swell- 
ing and inflammation of the throat is severe, there is 
often difficulty in breathing. If the irritation of the 
throat continues, the chick becomes dull, weak and 
stupid, and finally dies from exhaustion or suffocation. 
The gaping is so characteristic of this disease that there 
is no difficulty in recognizing it. 



Gapes 351 

The best treatment is to destroy the chick as soon as 
the disease is noticed and burn the body, thus preventing 
the spread of the disorder. If possible, shift all healthy 
chicks to uninfested ground, but if this is not practi- 
cable, the quarters should be thoroughly cleaned and dis- 
infected. If care is taken to detect and remov6 the first 
case of the gapes as soon as it is discovered, there is 
little danger of its spread. 

In some cases, the worms can be removed from the 
trachea by using a feather, — stripping the vane till 
only a small tip remains at the end, and inserting this, 
wet with kerosene or turpentine, into the chick's 
trachea when he breathes. If carefully given a few 
turns, it will loosen the worms, and then they can be 
removed. After a little experience, a number of worms 
can be removed by this means. They should be de- 
stroyed, and the chick, after this treatment, should be 
isolated until all danger is past. 

MEASLES IN MEAT 

"Measles" in meat is due to the presence of small, 
yellowish spots scattered through the tissue (page 342). 
These yellow spots are the encysted stage of some kind 
of tape -worm, and, if taken into the human system with- 
out being killed by cooking, they will probably develop 
into adult tape -worms. The measles, or cysts, are found 
in the meat of the pig, ox, duck, chicken, dog, cat, and 
rarely the sheep. They are most numerous in the 
deeper muscle of the shoulder, back and neck, but they 
may be scattered all over the body. Measly meat should 



352 



The Care of Animals 



mot be used for food, nor placed where animals can eat 
at, unless it has been thoroughly cooked to kill the 
paitasites. 

TRICHINA IN MEAT 



Trichinosis is a disease especially of pigs and man, 
'Caused by the invasion of the tissues of the body by a 
minute round -worm (Trichina spiralis), that bores its 
way to the different parts of the body, and then be- 
comes encysted. Fig. 54. Man usually contracts the 
disease by eating infested pork that has not been thor- 
oughly cooked. Trichinae in pork are 
invisible to the naked eye. When taken 
into the stomach, the encj^sted worm is 
liberated, develops into an adult, and 
the females give birth to large numbers 
(ten to fifteen thousand) of embryo 
young. These young worms migrate, 
boring their way, or carried by the blood 
and lymph, to distant parts of the body, 
there developing the cyst stage. When 
these cysts are examined under a micro- 
scope, each is found to contain the 
■small, cylindrical embryo worm, in a coiled or spiral 
position, from which it takes its Latin name. 

When meat infested with trichinse is eaten, there 
follows, in the human subject, considerable irritation of 
the bowels, associated with diarrhea. This occurs in 
three to ten days after the meat has been eaten. 
During this period, the worms are multiplying in the 
dige§tiye tract of the patient. Following this, there i§ 




Fig. 54. 
Trichina spiralis 
-encysted in lean 
meat. Magnified. 



Trichince in Pigs 353 

severe soreness of the muscles, associated with fever. 
During this stage, the young trichinae are migrating, 
working their way through the tissues of the body. In 
general, it has been said that the symptoms of trichi- 
nosis in man are those of "rheumatism, associated with 
typhoid fever." The disease has never been recognized 
by any symptoms shown by pigs. Pigs do not die of 
trichinosis. The worms can be found in the muscular 
tissue by making a microscopical examination. In ex- 
amining the carcasses of pigs for trichina, specimens 
of lean meat should be taken from the deeper muscles 
of the neck, inner face of the shoulder, "midriff" or 
diaphragm, tenderloin, or the base of the tongue, as 
the parasites are most frequent in these regions. Esti- 
mates as to the prevalence of trichinosis in pigs varies 
from two to ten per cent. Pigs that are kept in un- 
sanitary or filthy quarters and fed upon offal are more 
frequently diseased. There is no remedy. Pork or ham 
should never be eaten without a most thorough cooking. 



W 



CHAPTER XVI 

CONTAGIOUS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 

Contagious and infectious diseases are' those that 
are capable of transmission from one animal to another 
of the same species. In some cases they may even be 
transmitted to animals of another species, either by di- 
rect contact, or through some medium which has been 
infected by a sick animal. A contagious disease, as 
commonly understood, is one that is "catching"; that is, 
a well animal may contract it without coming into 
actual contact with the diseased animal. It "goes in 
the air." An infectious disease is contracted only when 
the animal comes into contact with the diseased subject 
or with some of its excretions. Amongst diseases of 
the human subject, scarlet fever may be cited as an 
example of a contagious disease, and typhoid fever of 
an infectious one. Strictly speaking, however, it is 
difficult to draw a distinct line between them, and there 
is now a tendency to use the term "transmissible" 
rather than either of them. 

In many of the diseases of animals, the germ that 
causes the particular disorder has been discovered, and 
its nature is definitely known. Most of these germs are 
microscopic living cells belonging to the lowest order of 
plants. In a few diseases, the germ that causes the trouble 
belongs to the lowest order in the animal kingdom. 

(354) 



Contagious Diseases 355 

Vegetable germs are known generally as bacteria or 
microbes. In many cases they cause disease by throw- 
ing off, as they multiply and grow in the attacked 
animal, a definite poisonous chemical substance called 
a "toxin." If this toxin exists in sufficient amount 
and is not neutralized, the animal dies from its poison- 
ing. In many such diseases, as soon as the germs begin 
to throw off the poison, certain cells of the animal's 
body begin to manufacture a chemical substance that 
neutralizes the poison made by the bacteria ; this sub- 
stance is called an "antitoxin." If the cells of the body 
are strong and active, they usually form enough antitoxin 
to overcome the toxin made by the germs, and the animal 
recovers. The power of resistance to a disease is called 
"immunity." Some animals are naturally immune; 
that is, they do not contract the disease when they 
are exposed to it. After an animal has had the 
disease, or has been vaccinated, it often acquires im- 
munity. 

Whenever a large number of animals are gathered 
together, the danger from contagious diseases is greatly 
increased, and extra precaution in the way of hygiene 
and sanitation must be observed. Anything that weak- 
ens an animal's system or lowers vitality predisposes 
that animal to attacks, especially by contagious dis- 
eases. Dark, damp, filthy, and poorly ventilated quar- 
ters, and a lack of proper nourishment, tend to produce 
disease ; while light, dry, well ventilated quarters, 
where the animals are well nourished and have sufficient 
exercise, minimize danger from disease. Direct sun- 
light is a destroyer of many disease germs. 



356 The Care of Animals 

When an outbreak of a transmissible disease occurs 
among animals, the well ones should be removed from 
the sick and placed in uninfected quarters. Well animals 
should never be left in infected stables and yards. 
Medicinal treatment in most contagious diseases is of 
little value. Vaccination or inoculation against them 
is very effective in some cases, and the use of anti- 
toxin, or blood serum, from immune animals, gives 
excellent results in others. Some kinds of antitoxins 
are now to be had as laboratory products. 

In treating animals sick with a transmissible disease, 
every effort should be directed toward making the 
subject comfortable and keeping up the strength, which 
will enable it to overcome the disease. In guarding 
against such diseases, quarantining is the most effec- 
tive method. Animals suffering from a contagious 
disease readily infect others, either by direct contact, or 
indirectly by means of infecting quarters, pastures, 
drinking places, food or other materials. In adding 
new stock to herds, precautions should always be taken 
to prevent the introduction of disease. 

GLANDERS AND FARCY 

Glanders and farcy are the same disease, farcy being 
the form which attacks the skin. Glanders is a malig- 
nant, infectious disease, caused by a germ {Bacillus 
mallei) that attacks horses, mules and asses. It can 
be transmitted to other animals by inoculation, but it 
rarely occurs except in man, who may become inoculated 
from glandered horses. The virus, or germ, of glan- 



Glanders 357 

ders does not float through the air, but is transmitted 
by direct contact, or by means of watering -troughs, 
feed-boxes, hitching- posts, equipment or utensils that 
have been contaminated by a diseased animal. The dis- 
charge from the nose of a glandered animal contains 
the germs in large numbers, and wherever this dis- 
charge is scattered it is liable to infect other animals. 
Perhaps the disease is sometimes transmitted by means 
of flies. 

Glanders may occur in the chronic form or the acute 
form, or it may attack the skin in the form of farcy. 
In the early stages, and especially in the chronic form, 
glanders is difficult to diagnose on account of its in- 
sidious nature. To an ordinary observer, the horse 
appears but slightly ailing, and yet he may be badly 
diseased and a dangerous source of infection. 

The symptom usually noticed first is a slight sticky 
discharge from one or both nostrils, thin and colorless. 
As it dries about one nostril, it gives the nostril 
the appearance of being smaller than the other. As 
the disease progresses, the discharge becomes thicker, 
resembling raw linseed -oil ; later, it becomes yellowish 
and often streaked with blood. The discharge is more 
profuse when the animal is exercised, or when the head 
is lowered to drink or to eat. There is a popular idea 
among horsemen that if the discharge from the horse's 
nose sinks in water it is glanders, while if it floats it 
is not glanders ; but this is not to be relied on as 
a test. Raw, ragged ulcers, with depressed centers and 
reddish edges, appear on the mucous membrane lining 
the nostrils, and especially on the septum, or partition 



358 The Care of Animals 

between the nostrils, and in the false nostril. In bad 
cases, these ulcers may perforate or "eat through" the 
septum. The mucous membrane, instead of being a 
healthy rose -pink, becomes a dull lead or dusky slate 
color. The lymphatic glands under the jaw and be- 
tween the jaw-bones enlarge, are often tender, and are 
usually adherent to the adjacent tissues, or "grown fast 
to the bone," as it is commonly expressed. These glands 
rarely gather and break, as they do in distemper. 
When thQj do suppurate, as in bad cases of glanders, 
they are difficult to heal. As glanders progresses, the 
horse gets "out of condition," the coat "stares," and 
there is a general debilitated appearance. There is often 
a profuse discharge of water -like urine. Horses with 
chronic cases of glanders may live and work for years 
without showing serious symptoms of the disease; but 
all the time they are scattering the germs of the disease, 
and, without exciting suspicion, often causing the death 
of many other horses. 

In farcy, the germs of glanders attack the skin and 
lymphatic glands. This disease is most frequently seen 
in the region of the hind legs, and first appears as a 
small firm bunch, or several bunches, in the skin. 
These may attain the size of a hickory nut, and after 
a time may break and discharge an amber fluid mixed 
with pus, that dries about the sore. These bunches, or 
sores, commonly called "farcy buds," are difficult to 
heal. They often spread and become large raw sores. 
The glands on the inside of the hind legs, together 
with the ducts connecting them, enlarge and become 
tender, and the hind legs swell. Farcy may run into 



Glanders, Farcy 359 

glanders and a horse may have both forms of the 
disease at once. When horses are closely confined or 
are in close contact with others, glanders spreads quite 
rapidly, especially if there are debilitating influences, 
as on shipboard or in army service. In other cases, 
a glandered horse may work with a mate for some 
time without communicating the disease. 

When an animal is suspected of glanders or farcy, 
it should be isolated and carefully cared for, to pre- 
vent the infection of persons or other animals. The 
horse should be quarantined and the development of 
the disease very closely watched; the animal may be 
tested with mallein, which is a toxin similar to tubercu- 
lin, a rise of temperature, following the injection, in- 
dicating the presence of glanders. Mallein affords an 
excellent means of diagnosing the disease, and it has 
no bad effects, except some swelling that may follow at 
the point of injection. Inoculating a male Guinea-pig 
with the virus obtained from the discharge from a sus- 
pected animal causes swelling of the testicles of the 
pig and an angry sore at the point of inoculation, if 
the disease is glanders. 

Glanders is practically an incurable disease, and an 
animal should be killed and the carcass burned or 
buried deeply as soon as the danger is recognized. The 
quarters where the animal has been should be thor- 
oughly disinfected, by removing and burning all dirt, 
litter, etc., and applying a solution of corrosive subli- 
mate (one part to five hundred of water) or some equally 
strong antiseptic to the floor, mangers, partitions and 
feed -boxes.' When this has dried, a good coat of 



360 The Care of Animals 

white -wash or paint should be applied. All equipment 
that has been in contact with the animal should be 
burned, or disinfected by boiling for one hour. All 
persons who may come in contact with a glandered 
animal should exercise the utmost caution, to prevent 
contracting the disease through sore places on the 
hands or by rubbing the eyes or nose, as -the disease 
is fatal and extremely loathsome. 

Most states have stringent laws for protection against 
this disease, and in some states a small price is paid' 
for diseased animals condemned hy the proper author- 
ities. In nearly all states, there are heavy penal- 
ties imposed on persons convicted of disposing of 
glandered animals. 

ANTHRAX, CHARBON 

Anthrax, or charbon, is a malignant infectious dis- 
ease attacking all domestic animals, and man himself, 
when he is infected from animals. Anthrax is not 
very common in the northeastern states, but in some 
parts of the west, and much more commonly in the 
south, it causes serious losses in cattle, sheep, and mules. 
In some parts of Europe, also, severe losses result from 
it. The disease is likely to occur in the vicinity of 
tanneries, the infection being brought in with hides; 
or in localities where the disease has existed before, 
and the infection still remains; or where it has been 
scattered from infected localities, either by diseased 
animals, or contaminated materials, that may be carried 
by dogs or other animals, or washed by streams. An- 



Anthrax 361 

thrax is caused by the anthrax bacillus, a slender rod- 
shaped germ that can easily be found by making a 
microscopical examination of the blood or tissues of 
a diseased animal. In stab cultures in agar or gelatine 
the anthrax germs grow readily in peculiar "frost crys- 
tal" colonies. 

Anthrax occurs most frequently in cattle, sheep 
and mules. The symptoms vary greatly. In some 
cases there is an absence of definite symptoms, the 
animal dying very suddenly, with few or no premoni- 
tory warnings. This is often called the "apoplectic" 
form. Other cases show a high fever with delirium, 
or severe straining associated with discharges of bloody 
mucus from the bowels or other natural openings of 
the body. The mucous membranes are bluish in color, 
and there is great weakness and postration, as shown 
by the trembling of the muscles. There are often 
boils or pustules on various parts of the body filled 
with a dark red fluid. Frequently there are dropsical 
swellings on the body, with oozing of bloody fluid 
through the skin. In man, anthrax is sometimes called 
"malignant pustule," because it appears as a sore on 
the face, .and "wool sorters' disease," because it is 
sometimes contracted from infected wool. 

After death, bloody or hemorrhagic spots are found 
in the muscles and internal organs, the spleen is 
greatly enlarged, the blood is dark, thick and muddy 
in appearance, the veins are distended with dark blood, 
and there are bloody fluids escaping from the openings 
of the body. Anthrax can be diagnosed by examining 
the blood and other tissues microscopically for germs 



362 The Care of Animals 

of the disease, by making artificial cultures on agar or 
gelatine, or by inoculating a small animal. 

Treatment in a medicinal way is of little or no value. 
A vaccine has been discovered that is very effective in 
preventing the disease. This is used extensively and 
successfully in the localities where the disease occurs, 
both in this country and in Europe. It can be pur- 
chased on the market. Great care should be taken to 
prevent the spread of the disease. All contaminated 
materials should be burned, quarters disinfected as rec- 
ommended for glanders, and a stringent quarantine 
maintained about infected localities. Infected pastures 
are to be avoided, as well as streams along which ani- 
mals have died. Persons coming in contact with animals 
affected with anthrax should be careful, as the disease 
is very dangerous. The mortality among animals 
during an outbreak is usually very high. Whenever a 
contagious disease occurs that attacks various domestic 
animals and causes death, anthrax should be suspected, 
and skilled advice should be called. 

BLACKLEG 

This disease is also called "black quarter" and 
"quarter ill," and is sometimes described under the 
name of "symptomatic anthrax," but it has no relation 
to true anthrax. Blackleg is a disease of young cattle, 
attacking them from calves a few weeks old to cattle two 
and sometimes three years old. The disorder is caused 
by a germ that the cattle get in pasture, or in food 
or drinking water. The disease is distributed over a 



Blackleg 363 

large part of this country, and causes serious losses in 
the central and western stock-raising states. 

Calves that are in good condition, or fat, are more 
likely to contract the disease than those in thin flesh. 
In some countries, the disease is said to be confined to 
low-lying pastures; but in the western states it is quite 
as frequent on the high, dry prairies as on lower lands. 
It is thought that the germ of the disease does not 
belong naturally within the animal body; but, taken 
into the bodies of young cattle, it finds conditions favor- 
able for multiplying, and produces the disease. Black- 
leg may develop on pastures and in localities where it 
has never been known before, and where there seems 
to be no possibility of the germs having been in- 
troduced. 

The affected calf is first noticed lying down apart 
from the others. If driven up, it is found to be stiff and 
lame in one leg, or one whole side of the body may 
be almost useless. There are swellings on some part of 
the affected leg or side, which, if rubbed firmly with the 
hand, will be found to be filled with gas and will emit a 
crackling sound. This is a characteristic symptom of 
this disease. Calves with blackleg will usually live 
for some days; only a few recover. 

Well calves should be removed to uninfected pastures 
or quarters, and given water that has not been contami- 
nated. Medicinal treatment is of little value. Exer- 
cise and purging with salts are recommended, the latter 
being given as a drench in one -half to one pound 
doses. All susceptible animals should be vaccinated 
with blackleg virus — a safe and reliable preventive. In 



364 The Care of Animals 

regions where this disease prevails, calves should be 
vaccinated before the trouble occurs. 

Directions for Using Blackleg Vaccine 

Blackleg vaccine is made from diseased flesh taken 
from a calf that has died from blackleg. This is cut 
into thin strips and dried at a temperature of about 
100° Fahr. It is then ground into fine powder and 
weakened by heating. Two forms of vaccine are pre- 
pared: the "single vaccine," which requires but one in- 
jection or application; and the "double vaccine," which 
requires two injections about ten days apart. 

The first, or weakest, of the double vaccine is heated 
for six hours at a temperature of 210° to 212° 
Fahr. This first vaccine is intended to prepare the 
animal's system for the second dose, which is very much 
stronger. The second vaccine is prepared by heating it 
for six hours at a temperature of 167° to 169° Fahr. 

The single vaccine is of medium strength, and re- 
quires but a single application. This is made ready by 
heating the virus for six hours at 197° Fahr. The 
double vaccine is safer to use and gives better protection 
than the single, and is generallj^ to be recommended, the 
only objection being that it requires handling the cattle 
twice. Single vaccine should not be used on animals 
that are very fat, as they are especially susceptible to 
blackleg. In case blackleg has already broken out in 
a bunch of young cattle, the single vaccine is usually 
recommended. 

Vaccine is also prepared in the form of a little pill, 



Vaccinating for Blackleg 



365 



or a piece of string saturated with the material; either 
of which is to be inserted beneath the skin with special 
instruments made for the purpose. The powdered vac- 
cine, which is the kind generally used, requires to be 
mixed with water, filtered, and injected beneath the skin 
by means of a hypodermic syringe. Fig. 55. The 
powdered vaccine is put up in little ten- and 
twenty-five -dose packages, the number of 
doses being indicated on the wrapper. 

In preparing the vaccine and using it, 
care must be taken that the instruments 
and the other accessories are absolutely 
clean and sterilized. In using the double 
vaccine, the powder is first placed in a 
little porcelain mortar and some clean boiled 
water measured out, a few drops of which 
are added to the vaccine, which is thoroughly 
ground into a very fine paste in the mortar. 
After this is done, the remainder of the 
boiled and cooled water is added, one cubic 
centimeter for each dose of vaccine. The 
mixture is then filtered through filter -paper pj 55 -^ 
or cotton placed in a sterile glass funnel, dermic syringe 
and is then ready for use. The syringe is ^«^ -^«"^^ti^s. 
filled with the vaccine, and one cubic centimeter is in- 
jected beneath the skin of each animal over eight 
months old; under eight months, the dose should be 
graduated according to the size of the animal. 

The safest place to inject the vaccine is on the under 
side of the tail about four inches from the tip, although 
some vaccines may be injected beneath the skin of the 




366 The Care of Animals 

neck or shoulder. In case the latter place Is chosen, care 
should be taken not to push the needle into the mus- 
cles, but simply into the loose tissue beneath the skin. 
The single vaccines should be used in the tail, to insure 
safety. Vaccine should not be kept more than an hour 
or two after mixing, and then only in a clean, well- 
stoppered bottle. Vaccinating instruments, with the 
necessar}^ accessories, can be purchased at from $3.50 
to $5.00. Before using, the instruments should be 
thoroughly cleaned with boiling water, and this precau- 
tion should be repeated just after using. Any cotton or 
filter paper which contains sediment should be burned. 
In using the double method, the second vaccine should 
be prepared as already described, and injected about ten 
days after the first vaccination. 

Vaccination will ordinarily protect cattle for one year, 
although calves under eight months old should be re- 
vaccinated, if possible, when they are yearlings. The 
best time to vaccinate cattle is before they are turned on 
grass in the spring, or just before they are placed on 
dry feed in the fall. Avoid extremes of weather when 
vaccinating, as well as in branding or other surgical 
operations that are likely to lessen the vitality of the 
animal. If the cattle can be confined in a narrow stall, 
or, better, in a narrow chute, with a little practice a 
hundred head an hour can be vaccinated. There are no 
visible effects from vaccination, if the operation is care- 
fully performed. Full directions for use accompany all 
the vaccines that are on the market. 

A medicine that is used as a preventive of blackleg 
in some parts of the West is as follows: 



Blackleg — Rabies 367 

Sulfur 10 pounds 

Saltpeter 3 pounds 

Sulfate of iron 6 pounds 

Air-slaked lime . . < 3 pounds 

Pulverize the ingredients, mix thoroughly, and use 
one pound of this mixture in one gallon of common 
salt. This is to be given to animals in the place of 
common salt. 

RABIES, HYDROPHOBIA 

Rabies is an infectious disease, originating in dogs, 
possibly also in wolves, cats and skunks, and by them 
transmitted to other animals by direct inoculation, 
usually by biting. Animals suffering from rabies are 
said to be "mad." Hydrophobia, the common name, 
means "fear of water," and the inference is that animals 
suffering from this disease are afraid of water; but 
this is not true. "Mad" animals usually crave water, 
but the excitement and effort of drinking are likely to 
cause convulsions, which have been mistaken for fear. 

Although rabies has been studied extensively, and an 
attenuated virus for preventing the disease has been 
discovered and introduced by Louis Pasteur, the germ 
that causes the disease, if germ it is, has not yet been 
isolated. The virus exists in the saliva, as well as 
in some other parts of the body, and when injected 
into a wound is likely to cause the disease. There is 
less danger from being bitten when the teeth of the 
rabid animal are cleaned by biting through cloth or 
leather. 

There is a popular idea that rabies is most prevalent 



368 The Care of Animals 

during the hot months, but statistics show that a 
slightly greater number of cases occur during the 
winter months. In the dog, rabies occurs in two 
forms, the dumb and the furious, the latter being the 
most frequently observed. The period of incubation, — 
that is the time that elapses after the animal or person 
is bitten and the appearing of first symptoms of the 
disease, — varies from a few days to many months, the 
average being from three to six weeks. 

The first symptom usuallj" seen in dogs is a dull, 
depressed condition. The dog crawls into obscure places 
and dislikes to be disturbed. He licks the original 
wound and the genital organs. The appetite is ab- 
normal, the dog eating grass, sticks, dung, and the like. 
As the disease progresses, the dog becomes cross, snap- 
ping at space or at inanimate objects, at other animals, 
and at persons. 

A rabid dog shows a tendency to wander, often going 
long distances and attacking persons and animals. If 
confined, he will bite sticks or other objects, and some- 
times will tear his own flesh. In the later stages of the 
disease, the dog becomes exhausted, the eyes sunken 
and the body emaciated. Associated with this is paral- 
ysis, particularly of the hind parts and the lower jaw, 
the latter condition being accompanied with a discharge 
of saliva. The bark of a rabid dog is peculiar,— a 
short bark prolonged into a whine. Death occurs from 
exhaustion soon after paralysis sets in. 

Post-mortem examination of dogs that have died 
from rabies does not give definite information. There 
is slight irritation of the stomach and bowels, the 



Balies 369 

stomach often containing sticks and other foreign 
bodies swallowed by the dog during the progress of 
the disease. In order to diagnose suspected cases of 
rabies, inoculations of the cranial cavities of rabbits 
can be made with some of the spinal marrow from the 
suspected case. If the rabbit contracts rabies, the 
diagnosis is positive. 

The symptoms of rabies in cattle are delirium, in 
which the diseased animal attacks other, and particu- 
larly smaller animals and persons; trembling of the 
muscles, and difficulty in walking, due to a knuckling of 
the fetlocks. In most cases the animal keeps up a 
hoarse bellowing, and there is violent straining as if to 
pass excrement. 

Horses, when attacked by rabies, become excited and 
furious, attacking other animals or inanimate objects, 
sometimes breaking their teeth in their fury. 

After an animal has contracted the disease it should 
be put out of its misery, as there is no hope of recovery 
from rabies. When a person or animal is bitten by 
an animal supposed to be rabid, the wound should be 
cauterized with nitrate of silver or other strong caustic, 
and antiseptics freely used. Dogs are to be securely 
confined, to prevent the possibility of their injuring 
any one. They are likely to disappear should the dis- 
ease develop. Persons bitten by rabid animals should 
have the Pasteur treatment. 

When an outbreak of rabies occurs among cattle, the 
drinking place should be disinfected, and the healthy 
animals kept from the rabid to prevent the possibility 
of infection. 



370 The Care of Animals 

TEXAS, OR SOUTHERN CATTLE FEVER 

This disease is also called Spanish, splenic, acclima- 
tion, and (in Australia) "tick" fever. In some regions, 
owing to the color of the urine, the disease is called 
"redwater." It is caused by a microscopic animal 
germ {Pyrosoma Mgemintim) , and is transmitted from 
southern to susceptible northern cattle by means of 
the southern cattle-tick (BoopMlus annulatus) . Fig. 
52. Southern cattle coming from the region south of 
central Virginia and Tennessee, and east of central 
Indian Territory and Texas, and from Lower Cali- 
fornia, come from a permanently infected territory, 
and have the germs of Texas fever in their blood; but 
they do not suffer from Texas fever, as they possess 
immunity. The region described is south and east of 
the quarantine line established by the United States 
Department of Agriculture, and marks the northern and 
western limits of the region permanently infested by 
the southern cattle -tick. 

When southern cattle are brought north during the 
warm season of the year, the mature female ticks drop 
from their bodies and lay a great number of eggs that 
hatch in from two to six weeks. The young ticks 
are quite active and show a tendency to crawl up on 
grass rather than sidewise. When susceptible north- 
ern cattle pass over the tick - infested ground, these 
young ticks get on their legs, crawl up to their bodies 
and soon bury their mouth -parts in the thin skin on 
the belly or the inside of the thighs. In this manner 
they transmit the germs of the disease. About ten 



Texas Fever 371 

days after the young ticks are established on the sus- 
ceptible cattle, the animals begin to show symptoms of 
Texas fever. Ordinarily from thirty to forty days 
elapse after southern cattle pass over and infest the 
ground, before northern cattle come down with the 
fever; bat this time may be extended several weeks, 
depending on the temperature. When susceptible north- 
ern cattle are taken into southern territory that is in- 
fested by the cattle -tick, the symptoms of the fever 
usually appear in about ten days. The mortality 
from Texas fever is high, varying from twenty -five to 
ninety per cent, depending on the weather and the 
amount of infection. 

In some regions in the South close to the quarantine 
line, Texas fever is quite common among cows that 
run at large, or on the commons. In localities farther 
north, cattle that run at large get the ticks from the 
litter cleaned from cars in which southern cattle have 
been shipped; the disease is then commonly known as 
the "town -cow disease," but it is Texas fever. 

There is loss of appetite and suspended rumination, 
although these symptoms are preceded by a high fever, 
the temperature going as high as 105° to 108° F. 
There is great weakness and prostration as the disease 
progresses, with trembling of the voluntary muscles 
and difficulty in getting up. The head droops, the 
ears lop, the flanks are "tucked up." There is usually 
constipation, though in some cases there is diarrhea in- 
stead. Diarrhea is considered a good symptom, as more 
of such cases recover. In milch cows, the secretion of 
milk is stopped. The urine is a dark cherry -red in 



372 The Care of Animals 

almost all cases ; this may be considered as a marked 
symptom of this disease. Young cattle -ticks will be 
found on the belly, inside of the thighs, on the fore- 
legs or brisket. They are very small, and a close 
examination is often necessary to reveal them. 

Post - mortem examination reveals the following 
changes : The gall-bladder is distended with a dark 
tarry, or thick granular bile. The spleen is greatly 
enlarged and of a tarry consistency, hence the name, 
'^splenic fever." The bladder contains a quantity of 
dark red urine. 

There is no known satisfactory medicinal treatment.. 
As soon as the disease occurs, all well cattle should be 
removed from tick -infested ground and away from 
tick -infested cattle. The ticks can be scraped off by 
using a dull knife, provided there are but a few cattle 
and they can be handled. The ticks so removed should 
be destroyed. Sick cattle should be made as comforta- 
ble as possible, watered frequently, and kept out of the 
hot sun. If the}^ will eat, laxative green food may be 
given, such as green corn -fodder. Drenching sick 
cattle with sweet milk is also to be recommended. 

Texas fever can be prevented by a strict quarantine 
against tick -infested cattle, as the cattle -tick is the 
only way, so far as known, by which the disease is 
transmitted. Southern cattle do not spread the disease 
during cold weather. The ticks are destroyed by the 
cold as soon as they drop from the bodies of cattle, 
or the eggs are destroyed, so that no young ticks hatch. 
If the ticks are all removed from southern cattle, the 
latter do not communicate the disease. Dipping south- 



Texas Fever 373 

ern cattle in solutions, and various other means, have 
been tried for destroying the cattle -ticks, without suc- 
cess. Recent experiments, however, give promise that 
a dip will soon be perfected that will destroy the ticks. 
One attack of Texas fever gives immunity, and young 
calves are not so susceptible to the disease as are older 
animals. It is probable that the reason that southern 
cattle do not have Texas fever is because their im- 
munity was acquired as very young calves at an age 
when they do not seem to be seriously affected by the 
disease. 

The Missouri and Texas Experiment Stations have 
devised a method of conferring immunity on susceptible 
cattle intended for shipment into permanently infected 
territory. It is by injecting serum obtained from the 
blood of immune cattle, and is very successful. Cattle 
intended for such shipments should be young, and 
should be taken in the fall,' when the ticks are not so 
numerous and the weather is cool. 

When an outbreak of Texas fever occurs, there is 
no danger to cattle in the surrounding territory, pro- 
vided they are kept off infested ground. It is com- 
monly said by stockmen that "a wire fence will stop 
the spread of Texas fever," but it is safer to put a 
greater barrier, in the way of distance, as the young 
ticks may be washed short distances, or cattle may 
break through a fence and carry the ticks. After 
an outbreak of Texas fever, "no susceptible cattle 
should be allowed on the infested pasture or quar- 
ters until the ticks have been destroyed by the cold of 
winter. 



374 The Care of Animals 



CONTAGIOUS ABORTION 



Contagious abortion is most common in cows, 
although it sometimes occurs among mares, when large 
numbers are kept together, as on some of the ranges 
of the West. In some dairy regions, contagious abor- 
tion is one of the most serious diseases that dairymen 
have to contend with. After the disease is once estab- 
lished in a locality, it is difficult to eradicate it entirely. 

The cause of contagious abortion is believed to be 
a germ, or perhaps several kinds of germs. The dis- 
ease is transmitted from an animal that has aborted 
to a pregnant animal, by means of discharges from the 
vagina or by the foetal calf or the membranes. It 
seems probable that the disease can be communicated 
by a bull that has served a cow that has aborted. 

Cows may abort at any stage of pregnancy, but the 
disease occurs most frequently after the fourth month ; 
earlier than this there are few symptoms. Sometimes 
there is discharge of mucus from the vagina, and the 
vulva may be slightly swollen. There may be small 
yellow ulcers on the mucous membrane lining the vagina, 
which can be seen by opening the vulva. As the cow 
is farther along in pregnancy, the signs of abortion 
are those of approaching parturition; there may be a 
rope of mucus hanging from the vulva, the milk 
secretion may start, and the cow be "down in her 
hips." 

When a cow shows signs of aborting, or has aborted, 
she should be isolated from other cows, and the place 
where she has stood should be thoroughly disinfected 



Contagious Abortion 375 

by using a 5 per cent solution of carbolic acid or a 
1 to 1,000 solution of corrosive sublimate, after the 
stall has been scraped and all loose litter burned. 
After using the antiseptic, the stall should be treated 
to a good coat of whitewash. The aborted calf and 
the membranes are to be destroyed by burying deeply 
or burning, and the vagina and uterus washed out every 
day with a solution of corrosive sublimate (1 part to 
1,000 parts of water). The tail and adjacent parts are 
also to be washed with this solution. Tablets of 
corrosive sublimate can be procured from druggists, 
with directions for use. This treatment of the vagina 
should be continued as long as the discharge is ob- 
served, and the adjoining parts should be washed daily 
for ten days afterward. 

No cow that has aborted should be bred until some 
time after all discharge has ceased. For two daj^s 
before breeding, the vagina should be washed out with 
the 1 to 1,000 solution of corrosive sublimate ; the day 
she is bred, warm water should be used in its place, as 
the corrosive sublimate will destroy the semen. In 
some cases, cows become barren after abortion. Clean- 
liness, the free use of antiseptics, isolation of infected 
cows, and precautions against breeding to infected bulls 
are the best methods of combating this disease. The 
disease seems to "wear itself out" and disappear from 
a herd after a time. 

As preventive remedies, sulfite or hyposulfite of soda, 
in ounce doses two to three times a week, may be 
of value. A mixture of one pound of pulverized hypo- 
sulfite of soda, one pound of sulfur and ten pounds of 



376 The Care of Animals 

common salt, seems to give good results. A small 
handful is given to each pregnant cow two or three times 
a week. Cows should be kept in fair flesh and in a 
good, vigorous condition. 

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE 

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly infectious dis- 
order, attacking cattle principally, but easily trans- 
mitted to sheep, goats, pigs, and other domestic animals. 
Man frequently contracts the disease from infected 
animals. It is generally considered to be a germ dis- 
disease, although the specific organism has not been 
discovered. This disease has been known for many 
j^ears in Europe, and immense losses have followed its 
ravages, some parts of Europe rarely being free from 
it, and in other parts outbreaks occurring at irregular 
intervals. One attack of the disease does not confer 
immunity, as an animal may have it several times. 

Foot-and-mouth disease varies in virulence. In 
some outbreaks many animals die, but in most cases the 
mortality is not high, the greatest loss resulting from a 
falling off in flesh and general deterioration resulting 
from the disease, and the necessary restriction of the 
live-stock trade which follows. The disease is trans- 
mitted by direct contact, and through the medium of 
infected food, litter, watering places, stables, cars and 
attendants. It is possible that the contagion may be 
carried short distances in the air. The milk of an 
affected animal is highly dangerous. The period of 
incubation, or the time that elapses between exposure 



JFoot- and -Month Disease 377 

and signs of the development of tlie disease, usually 
is short, but may vary from twenty -four hours to twenty 
days. Most eases develop within two or three days 
after exposure. 

Foot-and-mouth disease usually starts with a chill. 
The animal remains by itself, the back is arched, hair 
erect, flanks tucked up, and there is shivering or twitch- 
ing of the muscles. A sick animal moves with re- 
luctance, and there is stiffness or marked lameness in 
the gait. A thick, yellowish secretion collects at the 
inner corners of the eyes and about the edges of the 
nostril. The temperature of the animal rises from two 
to five degrees Fahr. Blisters form in the mouth, about 
the feet and on the udder. The blisters vary in size 
from that of a pea to a quarter of a dollar, and are filled 
with a watery fluid. They soon burst, leaving raw 
sores with shreds of tissue hanging about the edges. In 
the mouth the blisters usually form on the lips, tongue, 
cheeks and pad of upper jaw. The animal champs the 
jaws with a smacking noise. There is profuse slavering 
from the mouth. The saliva at first is normal, but later 
becomes thick and ropy. The mouth is often so sore 
that the animal is unable to partake of solid food. The 
blisters about the feet usually occur between the toes of 
cattle, or about the coronet, and often cause severe lame- 
ness. One or all of the feet may be affected. After 
the blisters burst, raw, angry sores result. In some 
cases, the hoof may be shed, or the ulceration may in- 
volve the greater part of the soft structures of the foot. 

So far as known, foot-and-mouth disease w^as first 
introduced into America in the summer, or early fall, of 



378 The Care of Animals 

1902, being first discovered in the New England states, 
where it has been confined by rigid quarantine restric- 
tions, prescribed by the general government and the 
various states. A vigorous and apparently successful 
effort is being made to stamp out the disease by 
quarantine. Destruction of affected animals and thor- 
ough disinfection, — these are the only methods that 
have ever been effective in dealing with this disease. 
Diseased carcasses should be buried deep or burned. 
Hides or wool should not be saved, nor should diseased 
carcasses or milk from a diseased animal be fed to other 
animals. Suspected cases should be at once reported. 

TUBERCULOSIS 

Tuberculosis is a communicable disease that may 
attack any of the domestic animals, though it is found 
mostly among cattle. In man, tuberculosis is commonly 
known as consumption, and is one of the most serious 
diseases that threaten the human race. 

The cause of tuberculosis is a germ or bacterium 
known as Bacillus tuberculosis. The germs are always 
present in the system of the animal having the disease. 
Any condition which weakens the animal's system 
lessens its power of resistance to this disease. As a 
result of the drain upon the system due to the produc- 
tion of large quantities of milk, tuberculosis is espe- 
cially prevalent among dairy cows, and is one of the 
most serious diseases that dairymen have to contend 
with. It is rare among cattle native to the ranges of 
the West. 



Tuberculosis 379 

Tuberculosis is important not only on account of the 
losses among cattle, but because of its relation to the 
public health. Milk from cows that are badly affected 
with tuberculosis, and especially when the udder is 
affected, is considered to be dangerous as food for man, 
unless it is pasteurized by heating it to a temperature 
of 185° Fahr. 

Tuberculosis is one of the most insidious diseases of 
animals, as it attacks almost any part of the body, and 
a great variety of symptoms follow as soon as it is well 
established. Symptoms vary according to the severity 
of the disease and the part or organ of the body affected. 
Tuberculosis attacks the lungs most frequently; the 
liver, diaphragm, or "midriff," lymphatic glands, bones 
or joints may also be the seat of the disease. When the 
lungs are attacked and become badly diseased, the 
animal is out of condition and falls away in flesh; the 
appetite is capricious; the coat is rough and staring; 
the eyes are sunken and dull. There is usually a cough, 
that is especially noticeable when the animal is first 
disturbed in the morning, or when it is turned out to 
exercise in cold air. There is often a discharge from 
the nose and eyes, this drying at the inner corner 
of the eye. When the udder is affected, there is slight 
inflammation of that part of the gland, followed by 
the formation of hard lumps within the gland; in some 
cases, these lumps gather and break, discharging a 
yellowish pus. 

The germs of the disease, when scattered about 
stables or yards, may enter the system of a healthy 
animal through wounds ( which is probably a rare 



380 



The Care of Animals 



method of infection), or by being taken in with the 
food or by being inhaled and taken into the lungs. In 
the transmission of the disease from one animal to 
another, the germs are probably conveyed by one of the 
last two methods. Suckling calves may get the germs 
in the milk from a tuberculous cow, or they may take 
them upon dry food or in drinking water, where they 




Fig. 56. Section of tuberculous lung. 



were scattered by diseased animals. It is probable that 
the discharge from the nose, which contains the germs, 
being dried, is stirred up in the form of dust, and 
when inhaled by healthy animals produces the disease. 
In a few cases it is possible that the disease may be con- 
genital. Such cases are rare, and occur only when the 
cow's generative organs or her whole system are 
diseased. 



Tuherculosis 381 

When an animal that has had tuberculosis is ex- 
amined after death, the diseased tissue appears as lumps 
or nodules either in or on the organ attacked. If these 
rather hard lumps are cut open they will be found to 
contain a yellow, cheesy substance, which in many cases 
has turned to pus or matter, usually thick and yellow, 
with lumps of cheesy material in it. Sometimes the 
disease appears as a fibrous growth in reddish bunches 
on the outside of the organ, or part, such as the lungs, 
heart, liver, diaphragm, or "midriff," or on the lining 
membrane of the chest or abdominal cavities. These 
lumps or tubercules vary in size from that of a pin- 
head to that of a marble, and may be so thick as com- 
pletely to cover the surface. Fig. 56. 

There is no treatment known that cures tuberculosis 
in cattle. However, there are preventive precautions. 
The best method of preventing the disease is to pre- 
vent healthy cattle from coming in contact with in- 
fected ones, or with infected stalls, food, feed-boxes, 
and drinking- places. If an animal has the disease, or 
is suspected, it should be isolated from others and the 
quarte-rs thoroughly cleaned and disinfected by a 5 per 
cent solution of carbolic acid in water. Aside from pro- 
tecting cattle from the germs of the disease, the best 
method of preventing it is to keep the animals healthy 
and vigorous. Dark, damp, filthy and badlj^ ventilated 
stables are hotbeds for the propagation of the dis- 
ease, once it is introduced. Sunlight is a great disinfec- 
tant. In fact, the germs are killed when exposed to 
direct sunlight for a few hours. Plenty of fresh air is 
also very important, preserving the animals' health by 



382 The Care of Animals 

bringing oxygen, carrying away the waste, and keeping 
the quarters dry. Sunlight, fresh air, dryness and 
cleanliness, with good food, are essentials in preserving 
a healthy herd. 

The Tuberculin Test 

The most accurate means of detecting tuberculosis 
in cattle is by injecting a small amount of 'tuberculin" 
beneath the skin. If the animal has the disease, there 
follows, in about twelve hours, a rise of temperature 
or fever, which lasts for a few hours and then sub- 
sides. Tuberculin is a toxin excreted by the tubercle 
bacillus during the process of its growth. When 
prepared for use, tuberculin contains no germs of tuber- 
culosis, and is incapable of producing the disease. 

In testing animals with tuberculin the temperature 
of the tested subject is taken with a clinical (fever ) 
thermometer every two hours, beginning at 6 A. M. 
and continuing until 12 p. M., when a small quantity of 
tuberculin is injected under the skin and the tempera- 
ture again taken as on the preceding day. If the 
animal has tuberculosis there is a rise of tempera- 
ture of two to six degrees Fahr. If the animal is free 
from the disease the temperature does not rise or vary 
more than the normal daily variation. Careful attention 
should be given to the manner in which the temperature 
rises. A sudden and rapid rise of temperature is to 
be regarded with suspicion. In a typical reaction to 
the tuberculin test, the temperature rises gradually for 
two hours or more until it attains its maximum; then 



Tuberculosis 383 

it gradually subsides. While the testing ty tuber- 
culin is not a difficult task, it is usually economy to 
employ some one who has had some experience, and 
who can give due consideration to the various in- 
fluences that modify the reaction. Cattle should not 
be tested too frequently with tuberculin, as the system 
acquires a tolerance and does not respond accurately. 
One test yearly, or not oftener than once in six months, 
is usually efficient. 

In testing cattle, the animals should be disturbed as 
little as possible. They should be given small quanti- 
ties of water frequently, but not turned out and allowed 
to drink large quantities, as this is liable to cause a 
sudden fall of temperature. 

Tuberculin is not infallible. In some cases, espe- 
cially when the animal is badly diseased, it fails to cause 
a rise of temperature, and in a few cases it causes a 
rise of temperature in healthy animals; but the per- 
centage of the errors is but a fraction of one per 
cent; and at the present time tuberculin is the most 
effective means known for detecting tuberculosis in 
animals. 

After a herd has been tested and all tuberculous 
animals have been removed, the barns and stables 
should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before 
other cattle are put in. No animals should be ad- 
mitted to a healthy herd until they have been tested 
and found to be free from this disease. 

In Denmark, the following plan for eradication of 
tuberculosis, called the Bang method, has been tried with 
success. All cattle are tested with tuberculin, and those 



384 The Care of Animals 

that are free from the disease are placed in uninfected 
quarters, where they cannot contract the disorder. It 
has been demonstrated that nearly all calves born of 
tuberculous mothers are free from the disease at birth. 
As soon as the calves are dropped, they are taken from 
the cows and placed in uninfected quarters, where they 
are fed on sterilized milk. The calves are tested in 
a short time, and should any respond they are removed. 
In most cases the calves are tested several times before 
reaching maturity. In this manner only healthy ani- 
mals are raised for breeding and dairy purposes, and 
tuberculosis is being eradicated from the Danish dairies 
without the serious loss that would result from the 
immediate destruction of all tuberculous animals. 

Professor Koch, the eminent German scientist who 
discovered the germ of tuberculosis, thinks that tuber- 
culosis of cattle is not communicated to man by any 
ordinary methods, and that there is no danger of per- 
sons contracting the disease from using the milk of 
tuberculous cows. Nor does he think that tuberculosis 
or consumption of man can be transmitted to cattle 
by ordinary methods. If this view is correct, the im- 
portance of tuberculosis resolves itself into the financial 
question of preventing the losses among cattle that 
result from this disease, which in itself is an impor- 
tant one. Whether there is danger to man or not, there 
is a strong prejudice against using the milk from cows 
that are known to be tuberculous, especially for child- 
ren and invalids; and it is unwise to run any risks 
with this serious disease, considering the incompleteness 
of our present knowledge of it. 



Cowpox in Cattle 385 

cowpox 

The horse, sheep and cow each has a variety of pox, 
but cowpox is the form that is commonly seen in this 
country. Cowpox is a germ disease that attacks cows 
particularly, in the skin in the region of the udder or 
teats, and is characterized by sores in this region. The 
disease is usually transmitted from one animal to 
another by the hands of the milker, by calves, or by 
direct contact. 

About a week after the infection is transferred, small 
pimples appear on the skin. At first these contain a 
watery fluid, which later turns to pus. The base of the 
sore is hard and red. After the pustule is broken, a 
thick, dark scab forms that has a depressed center. 
Later, this comes off, leaving a small pit or pock mark. 
Cowpox can be transmitted to man by direct inocula- 
tion, as by sores on the hands. The fluid from the 
pimples or pustules of cowpox is the material used to 
vaccinate persons against smallpox. 

Little can be done after an animal has contracted the 
disease, except to keep the parts soft by applying some 
healing ointment. Oxide of zinc ointment is excellent. 
After milking, a little white lotion may be applied, fol- 
lowed by the zinc ointment. When the udder is greatly 
inflamed, bathing with hot water twice daily is excel- 
lent. In milking, animals affected with cowpox should 
always be milked last, so that the milker will not carry 
the disease to healthy cattle. After milking, the hands 
should be carefully washed and disinfected. The milk 
should not be used for food. 



386 The Care of Animals 

DOG DISTEMPER 

Distemper is a contagious catarrhal fever that is a 
common and serious disease among dogs. 

The disease is caused by a germ, and animals contract 
it from coming in contact with or proximity to another 
animal suffering from the disorder. It is thought that 
the germs float through the air and are inhaled by the 
dog. Among the conditions that favor the disease are 
those that tend to weaken the system. Pure - bred 
puppies appear to suffer greatly from it. The time that 
elapses between exposure and the first symptoms is 
seldom more than three days. When dogs are gathered 
at shows the disease is likely to occur, owing to ex- 
posure to infection and the unusual nervous strain. 
One attack of the disease usually gives immunity to 
future attacks. 

The disease is brought in with a chill, that may last 
an hour or more. It is followed by a high fever, the 
dog's temperature going to 107° Fahr. There is a slight 
discharge of watery mucus from the nose and eyes, 
that soon becomes profuse and purulent, sticking the 
lids together. Usually a rash breaks out on the inside 
of the thighs. In some cases there are nervous symp- 
toms, shown by the jerking of the head and twitching 
of the muscles; or the dog may become delirious. 
Often there is difficult breathing, with a painful cough 
or moan. The bowels may be constipated, or there 
may be a severe diarrhea, with a fetid odor. The dog 
suffers greatly from prostration, and dislikes to be dis- 
turbed. The disease runs its course in ten to thirty 



Distemper of Dogs 387 

days. Distemper in dogs in some respects resembles 
scarlet fever in the human family. 

There is no medicine that will interfere with its 
course. All the treatment should be directed toward 
making the animal comfortable and keeping up its 
strength so that it may resist the disease. Vigorous 
dogs of good constitution will usually recover; weak, 
debilitated animals are likely to be overcome by the 
disease or by various complications. 

In the early stages, castor -oil in doses of half an 
ounce, with two or three grains of boric acid added, 
should be given every six hours until the bowels move 
thoroughly. This maj^ be followed by two -grain doses 
of quinine, twice daily. The nose, mouth and ej^es are 
to be well washed out with warm water three times 
daily, and the nose and eyes greased with vaseline. The 
animal is to be given minced fresh beef, beef tea, sweet 
milk, raw eggs and gruels, and allowed what cold 
water he wants to drink. Dried blood in doses of one- 
half to one teaspoonful three times daily is excellent 
all through the disease. 

There are many complications that occur with this 
disease: pneumonia, bronchitis, inflammation of the 
brain or spinal cord, and paralysis, usually of the hind 
quarters. When the dog recovers, abscesses are likely to 
form in some part of the body. If these occur in the 
internal organs they are often fatal. Another common 
sequel is chorea, or St. Vitus' dance, as shown by a 
jerking of some parts of the body. 

All infected quarters should be thoroughly disin- 
fected and exposed to the sun and air for several 



388 The Care of Animals 

weeks before allowing other susceptible dogs to oc- 
cupy them. 



HOG CHOLERA AND SWINE PLAGUE 

Hog cholera and swine plague are different dis- 
eases, and yet they are so closely associated that 
one disease rarely appears without the other. Swine 
plague is an infectious pneumonia, that attacks swine 
when in poor, unthrifty condition, or when run down 
from an attack of hog cholera. It is probable that 
germs of swine plague are widely distributed wherever 
hogs are kept in large numbers, but the natural power 
of resistance of the animal's system is sufficient to 
prevent them from developing after entering the sys- 
tem. When, however, the system becomes weakened 
from disease or other injurious influences, the germs 
obtain a foothold and often cause serious damage, not 
only from the deaths that directly result from the 
pneumonia but from the hog cholera, with which the 
swine plague is usually associated. 

Hog cholera is an infectious disease of the intestinal 
tract, closely allied to typhoid fever in man. The hog 
cholera is aggravated by the pneumonia, and between the 
two diseases the vital powers of the animal are greatly 
lessened. In man, typhoid fever and pneumonia are 
often associated. The losses from hog cholera and swine 
plague are difficult to estimate accurately. Persons famil- 
iar with the subject estimate that the losses caused by 
these diseases are greater than those caused by any other 
disease of domestic animals. Others go further, and 



Hog Cholera 389 

estimate the loss to be greater than that resulting from 
all other diseases of animals combined. Hog cholera 
and swine plague are the greatest drawbacks to the 
swine -raising industry in the central and western states. 
These diseases are usually found in regions where hogs 
are raised in large numbers, where there is a large 
amount of traffic in swine, where they are fed largely 
on one kind of food, and where the sanitary and hy- 
gienic conditions are bad. It must not be inferred 
that hygiene and sanitation will prevent these diseases 
entirely. When the germs of hog cholera are intro- 
duced among healthy swine with the most hygienic 
surroundings, heavy losses are very likely to follow. 
And yet it is probable that if careful attention were 
paid to feeding, care and sanitation, together with 
reasonable precautions to prevent the introduction of 
the germs of hog cholera, the losses could be reduced 
one -half. 

In the care of hogs, the essentials are clean quarters 
and pure w^ater. When hog cholera is in the vicinity, 
care must be exercised not to allow swine access to 
streams where disease prevails above them, as cholera 
frequently follows brooks and rivers . A variety of food is 
also essential to the maintenance of good health. Swine 
are omnivorous animals, living upon both animal and 
vegetable materials. When fed largely on one kind of 
food, such as corn, they get fat and appear healthy, 
but such animals are susceptible to hog cholera, and 
among such the disease is likely to assume a virulent 
type. 

In addition to variety in food, swine should have 



390 The Care of Animals 

access to mineral substances, such as wood ashes, slack 
coal, salt and sulfur. These ingredients can be mixed 
and placed where the hogs can get at them. Stock 
hogs need exercise and a run on pasture, where they 
can get green food and come in contact with fresh 
earth. Dish-water and swill from the farmhouse are 
excellent, but garbage and city slops shotild be used 
with caution, as they often contain large quantities of 
soap powders and other materials that are injurious 
w^hen fed freely. 

Hog cholera occurs sometimes in a mild form, but 
often in a virulent and fatal type. In the latter type, 
the first indication of the disease is finding a dead 
animal ; or an animal noticed to be ailing in the 
evening will be found dead the next morning. If the 
disease is of a milder type, or if the conditions are 
favorable to watching its progress, the following sj^mp- 
toras will be noticed : The animal first appears dull 
and quivering, showing a tendency to hide away in the 
bed, and to shiver as it lies there. It evinces a dislike 
to be disturbed, and when driven from its bed moves 
stiffly, and is likely to cough and sneeze. Sick pigs 
show a tendency to wander away, often long distances. 
There is a rise of temperature in the early stages of 
the disease, before the physical symptoms appear, the 
temperature rising from 103° F., or thereabouts, to 107°. 
There seems, to the writer, to be a characteristic odor 
to the disease that is quite pronounced, but diffleult to 
describe. 

The following description of the symptoms, by the 
Iowa State Board of Health, is excellent: "The pres- 



Hog Cholera 391 

ence of the disease is indicated by cold shivering, last- 
ing several hours ; frequent sneezing, followed by loss 
of appetite ; rough appearance of the hair ; drooping 
of the ears ; stupidness ; attempts to vomit ; tendency 
to root the bedding and to lie down in dark and quiet 
places ; dullness of the eyes, often dim ; sometimes 
swelling of the head ; eruptions on the ears and other 
parts of the body ; dizziness ; laborious breathing ; 
vitiated appetite for dung and for dirty and salty sub- 
stances ; accumulation of mucus in the inner corner 
of the eye and a discharge from the nose ; fetid, offen- 
sive discharge from the bowels, offensive exhalations ; 
semi-liuid diarrheal discharges of grayish green color, 
often mixed with blood. In many cases, the skin on 
the belly between the hind legs, behind the ears, and 
even on the nose, has numerous red spots, which to- 
ward the fatal termination of the disease turn purple. 
As the disease progresses, the animal becomes sluggish, 
the head droops, with the nose hidden in the bedding. 
If there has been costiveness, about two days before 
death there will be offensive, fetid discharges from the 
bowels; the voice becomes hoarse; the animal is stupid; 
emaciation increases rapidly ; the skin becomes hard, 
drj^ and unclean ; there is a cold, clammy sweat, and 
death soon follows, attended by convulsions, or comes 
on gradually from exhaustion without a struggle. In 
chronic cases or those of long duration, the animal 
becomes weak, lies down most of the time, eats but 
little and has diarrhea. These cases may linger for 
weeks, scattering the poison of the disease wherever 
they go." 



392 The Care of Animals 

In addition to the above symptoms, in chronic cases 
there is often swelling of the joints, with lameness. 
The skin also cracks and large sores often result. In 
those cases when there is diarrhea in the early stages, 
there is usually a better chance of recovery. Many 
swine -raisers who have had experience with cholera 
think it is economy to kill an animal as soon as it shows 
signs of the disease, as few ever recover, and those that 
do, recuperate slowly and require a long period of care. 
Animals that recover are immune to future attacks. 
When swine plague is prominently associated with 
the cholera, there is coughing, panting and short, 
labored breathing, especially when the animal is quickly 
exercised. 

Post-mortem examination reveals inflammation of the 
lungs, due to swine plague, some inflammation of the 
heart and its coverings, irritation of the small intes- 
tines, with ulcers on the mucous membrane lining the 
large intestine. Intestinal worms are frequently found 
in considerable numbers. 

Medicinal treatment of hog cholera is very unsatis- 
factory. Scores of remedies, regarding which wonderful 
assertions were made, have been exploited, with little 
or no benefit, except to the person who sells them at a 
large profit. Some remedies benefit the sick animal 
by toning up the system, or by supplying needed min- 
eral elements. The following remedy suggested by 
the Bureau of Animal Industry of the Department of 
Agriculture, and commonly known as the "government 
remedy," is as good as any, and much cheaper than 
most of them: 



Hog Cholera 393 

Wood charcoal 1 pound 

Sulfur 1 pound 

Sodium chloride 2 pounds 

Sodium bicarbonate 2 pounds 

Sodium hyposulfite 2 pounds 

Sodium sulfate 1 pound 

Antimony sulfide 1 pound 

"These ingredients shonld be thoroughly pulverized 
and mixed. The dose of this mixture is a large table- 
spoonful for each two hundred pounds, weight of hogs 
to be treated. Give only once daily." It is better 
to give this remedy mixed with sweet milk, or in gruel, 
or mixed with raw eggs well beaten. 

At the present time, no satisfactory protective treat- 
ment in the way of vaccination or inoculation has been 
devised, although the ablest investigators in this and 
other countries have been searching for some method 
of this kind. Some swine -raisers think that a measure 
of protection is given by allowing the well hogs to 
eat the thoroughly cooked flesh of an animal that 
has died from the cholera. In trying this, be sure that 
the meat is thoroughly cooked, as allow^ing them to eat 
the uncooked meat would inoculate them with the living 
germs. 

Many farmers who have had experience do not wait 
for the disease to make its appearance, but, as soon as 
it reaches a dangerous proximity, dispose of their hogs, 
and thus avoid infecting their farms and evade the 
possibility of selling animals that may be coming down 
with the disease. Diseased swine must not be sold. 

In dealing with hog cholera, it must be remembered 



394 The Care of Animals 

that the disease is caused by a microscopic germ, and 
that the opportunities for its distribution are many. 
The germ of hog cholera is active and free -swimming, 
and so small that hundreds of them can live in a 
single drop of water. The swine plague germ is not 
free -swimming. 

The germs of hog cholera are scattered about by the 
discharges from sick animals as they are moved over 
the country. When hogs are shipped in cars, the latter 
become infested; hence, the necessity of thoroughly 
disinfecting cars before shipping healthy hogs in them. 
Streams are frequent sources of infection; it is common 
to find the disease occurring at farm after farm in 
succession along a watercourse. The writer has seen 
the bodies of hogs floating down streams during out- 
breaks of cholera. Sick hogs are likely to wander 
away to adjoining farms, thus scattering the infection. 
Dogs, wolves, foxes, crows and other animals that feed 
upon flesh may carry the germs, often long distances. 

The bodies of hogs that have died from the disease 
should be burned or buried deep. When the outbreak 
is severe and many animals die, the carcasses are often 
disposed of in a careless manner, that is a menace to 
the health of other hogs in the neighborhood. Germs 
of hog cholera may also be carried on the shoes of 
persons visiting infected localities. Whenever hog 
cholera occurs in a herd of swine and an attempt is 
to be made to stop its progress, the healthy animals 
should be removed from the sick and placed upon 
uninfected ground some distance away. When swine 
plague occurs without hog cholera, it can often be 



Foivl Cholera 395 

stopped by these measures, in connection with the 
cholera remedy of the Bureau of Animal Industry 
(page 393). 

FOWL CHOLERA 

The term fowl cholera is applied to most of the dis- 
eases of fowls that are associated with a diarrhea, espe- 
cially if a number of fowls are attacked, or if the dis- 
ease seems to be contagious. Some of these diseases 
may be induced by improper food or surroundings; 
and whenever an outbreak occurs these conditions should 
be carefully investigated. 

True fowl cholera is a contagious disease, attacking 
fowls of all kinds, though it is most common among 
chickens. It is caused by a well-known germ, that is 
probably taken into the sj^stem with the food or drink, 
and possibly with dust or dirt that is inhaled or eaten 
accidentally. 

The first symptom of the disease is a yellow color of 
the usually white part of the droppings. This is 
soon followed by severe diarrhea, the discharges being 
thin and watery, sometimes frothy, and of a yellowish 
green color. The sick chicken often craves green ma- 
terial, and shows a depraved appetite, eating various 
substances that are unusual. Later, the appetite fails, 
the chicken becomes dull and stands with the head close 
to the body, the eyes closed, and exhibits signs of great 
weakness and prostration. In some cases, fowls die 
very soon, often within three or four days after infec- 
tion; in other cases, they linger for weeks with a 



396 The Care of Animals 

chronic form of the disease. Toward the termination 
of the disease, the diarrhea becomes less severe, and the 
process of digestion seems to be stopped, as the crops of 
dead chickens remain filled with undigested food. All 
dead fowls should be burned. 

All fowls that do not show signs of the disease are to 
be removed to uninfected grounds, and given a variety 
of nourishing food, with pure water, both of which should 
be free from contamination by the germs of the disease. 
No dishes used for sick fowls are to be used for the well 
ones. Attendants should not go from infected ground 
to localities where healthy fowls are kept. 

Medicinal treatment is not always satisfactory. One 
of the best remedies is the following: 

Sulfate of iron 1 dram 

Dried blood X ounce 

Tincture of opium yz ounce 

These should be dissolved and mixed with a pint of 
water, or with thin, easily digested food, and from one 
to two teaspoonfuls given to each fowl three or four 
times daily. 

After the disease has disappeared, no healthy fowls 
should be brought into the infected quarters until they 
have been thoroughly disinfected. It is best to disin- 
fect, whitewash, admit sunshine and fresh air to the 
quarters for six months to one year after the disease 
has disappeared. It is the best plan, where a consider- 
able number of fowls are kept, to divide them into 
small separate flocks, as they do better, and contagious 
diseases are more easily checked. 



Blacli Head and Roup 397 

BLACK HEAD 

This is a disease of turkeys and chickens, due to the 
presence in the intestines of an animal germ. It is fre- 
quently seen in the eastern states. 

There is diarrhea, resembling that of fowl cholera, 
except that it is not so severe and is not attended with 
great weakness and prostration. There is dullness or 
partial stupor. As the disorder progresses, the comb, 
and later the wattles, become dark purple, a symptom 
from which the disease takes its name. 

At present there seems to be no satisfactory medic- 
inal treatment. The best plan is to kill the bird as 
soon as the first symptoms appear and burn the body. 
The quarters should be disinfected and kept clean. The 
food and water supply must be wholesome. If these 
things are carefully looked after, and no diseased birds 
are allowed to remain with the healthy ones, there is 
little trouble in checking the difficulty. 

ROUP 

Roup is a contagious inflammation of the mucous 
membranes of the head of fowls, associated with a 
catarrhal discharge from the nostrils and eyes. It is a 
common disease, especially when poultry is kept in 
damp and unsanitary quarters. It is due to a germ 
which may be introduced by means of diseased fow^ls, 
or by infected coops or pens. Good care and food 
enable birds to resist invasion by the germs. Any con- 
ditions that tend to lessen the vitality of the bird favor 
the development of the disease. 



398 The Care of Animals 

At first, the discharge is thin and watery; but 
later it becomes thick and yellow, collecting about the 
nostrils and in the eyes and throat. The fowl is often 
unable to see, owing to the inflammation, swelling and 
collecting of matter about the eyes. As the disease pro- 
gresses, the comb and wattles become abnormally red, 
and the clogging of the nostrils and throat makes breath- 
ing difficult. Throughout its sickness, the bird is dull 
and weak, with plumage rough and erect. Finally, the 
fowl becomes unconscious and then soon dies. 

In most cases, the best treatment is to kill and burn 
the bird as soon as the disease appears. Antiseptics 
used about the head will usually overcome the disease. 
Creolin, one part to one hundred parts of water, is excel- 
lent; also, boric acid, twenty grains to one ounce of 
water; also, kerosene oil. In all cases, the mucus should 
be washed away, the parts well cleaned, and the remedy 
thoroughly applied. 

In the spring or fall it frequently happens that a 
number of birds are noticed sneezing and snuffing from 
colds, with a slight discharge of mucus from the 
nostrils. For these "colds," and as a preventive of 
roup, one teaspoonful of pure carbolic acid to one 
gallon of drinking water, is excellent. 



CHAPTER XVII 

MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES 

There is no single satisfactory method of classifying 
diseases. In this book that classification has been 
adopted that promises to be of most service to the 
farmer and stockman. There still remain, however, a 
number of important diseases that do not fall readily 
under any of the preceding heads, and these are now 
placed together here. 

AZOTURIA 

There seems to be no established common name for 
this disease of horses, although the term "bloody water" 
is sometimes applied. Azoturia is a form of poisoning 
resulting from high feeding and lack of exercise. It 
always occurs in horses that are in good flesh or fat, 
when they are exercised after standing in the stable for 
one or more days. The blood seems to be loaded with 
nitrogenous waste material which the excretory organs 
are unable to throw off w^hen the horse is exercised, and 
a peculiar form of paralysis and poisoning results. 

A horse in good flesh, after standing in the stable for 
a day or more, is taken out and seems to be in excellent 
spirits; but after going a short distance, varying from 
a few rods to a mile or more, he goes lame or stiff in the 

(399) 



400 The Care of Animals 

hind parts, often humping the back in a peculiar way. 
He sweats profusely, there is a trembling of the muscles, 
and he moves with much difficulty, gradually losing con- 
trol of his hind parts and "going down," often before he 
can be returned to the stable; he struggles to rise, but 
is unable to do so. The affected muscles of the loins 
and hips are swollen, tense and rigid. The urine is 
turbid and dark in color, varying from a reddish coffee 
to a very dark brown, almost black. In severe cases, 
there is a period of excitement that lasts a day or two, 
during which the horse struggles much. Azoturia 
varies in severity, from a slight lameness that soon 
passes away, to severe cases when death takes place 
in a few hours. 

Place the horse in warm, comfortable quarters. 
If he can stand after being assisted to his feet, he 
should be kept standing even if slings must be used. 
If he cannot be got on his feet, he should be placed in 
a comfortable position and well bedded to prevent his 
doing injury to himself. Attendants should exercise 
care to avoid being hurt by the animal. The horse 
should be warmly clothed, and rugs wrung from hot 
water placed over the affected parts and changed every 
half hour. A purge of six to eight drams of aloes 
should be given as a ball. During the period of excite- 
ment, bromide of potash in half -ounce to ounce doses 
may be given every five hours. Citrate of lithium in 
dram doses, three times daily, is good. The horse 
should be given all the water he wants, and an ounce 
of sweet spirits of niter twice daily to stimulate the 
kidneys. After the excitement has passed, iodide of 



Azoturia — Difficult Urinating 401 

potash in dram doses three times daily in place of the 
bromide may be given. During the early stages of the 
disease no food should be allowed, but after a day or two 
thin bran gruels and a little hay may be offered. If the 
horse is down, he should be turned every twelve hours. 
Recovery comes slowly; in the meantime tonic medi- 
cines should be given, such as powdered nux vomica in 
one -dram doses three times daily. It is usually neces- 
sary to draw the urine with a catheter. In some cases 
there is lameness and a dragging of the leg that per- 
sists for some time, but finally disappears 

RETENTION OF URINE 

Diseases of the urinary system are not common in 
the lower animals. One that is popularly supposed to 
be rather frequent is inability to pass urine. It is com- 
mon to see a horse stand stretched out as if to pass 
urine, and not be able do so. This symptom is often 
associated with colic, and is one of the most common 
symptoms of indigestion. In spasmodic colic, when the 
cramps cease the horse often passes some urine, but the 
retention of urine is rarely the cause of the cramps. 
In all cases in which inability to pass urine is suspected, 
medicines that will increase the amount of urine, such 
as spirits of niter and saltpeter, should be avoided. 

Horses often refuse to pass urine on the street 
or hard floor or while in the harness, and will often 
retain it until it causes uneasiness. In such cases, if 
led on a pile of straw or other similar material, the 
animal will pass the urine voluntarily. When it is 



402 The Care of Animals 

retained for other reasons, a veterinarian should be 
called. It is often necessar}^ to pass a flexible tube into 
the bladder to draw the urine away. 

STONE IN THE BLADDER 

In horses and steers, rarely in other animals, there 
are sometimes found one or more hard lumps of ma- 
terial commonly called "stones " or "gravel." Thej^ may 
occur in the bladder, the kidneys, or in the duct leading 
from the bladder to the outside, called the "urethra." 
The stones or gravel are composed of salts, usually con- 
taining lime, deposited by the urine in the form of 
concretions. They vary in size from that of shot to the 
size of an Qg^, but in most cases they are small and 
irregular in form. They are technically called "urinary 
calculi." 

The symptoms vary, but in general there is irritation 
and difliculty in passing urine, the animal standing and 
straining after passing it. The urine often contains a 
little blood or mucus. If the bowel is emptied by an 
enema, the stones can sometimes be felt if the hand is 
passed into the rectum and applied to the bladder, which 
lies just below. Calculi in the urinary system appear 
to be common in some localities and rare in others. 
The. reason for this is not definitely known, but is 
thought to be associated with an excess of mineral sub- 
stances in the food or water. 

When the calculi are small, in the form commonly 
called "gravel," laxative food and a change of drinking 
water, together with a dram of citrate of lithium in the 



Gravel — Foul Sheath 408 

water once daily, will often remove the concretions. In 
case the calculi are large or cause much irritation, the 
best treatment is to remove them surgically. In mares 
this can easily be done in most cases by passing a 
"goosebilled" forceps into the bladder through the ure- 
thra, crushing the calculi and removing the pieces. In 
males it is necessary to make an incision into the 
urethra just below the anus, and to pass the forceps 
into the bladder through this incision. A skilled 
surgeon should be employed to perform the operation. 

FOUL SHEATH 

In some males, especially wethers, steers and geld- 
ings, there is sometimes an accumulation of material 
from the glands of the skin of the sheath, which often 
hinders the free discharge of urine. This deposit may 
dilate the sheath and by retaining urine increase the 
trouble. The sheath may be distended with a decom- 
posing mass of material that greatly annoys the animal, 
and causes a general debility through the absorption 
of the poisons resulting from it. 

The hair or wool should be clipped away, and if nec- 
essary an incision should be made from the entrance of 
the sheath backward in order to make a free opening 
and to remove the irritating material. Wash thor- 
oughly with warm water and soap, and afterward apply 
white lotion. In geldings the sheath and penis should 
be greased with fresh lard or vaseline. In cattle and 
sheep, it is often necessary to treat several times before 
the parts return to their normal condition. 



404: The Care of Animals 

PARALYSIS OF THE PENIS 

This condition most frequently occurs in aged horses 
and is due to debility of advancing age. It may also 
occur in serving stallions from injury or debility. In 
old horses the only treatment is to amputate the penis. 
In other cases, the cause should be sought and removed; 
this to be followed by a course of tonic medicines and 
nutritious food. Give Fowler's solution (of arsenic), 
beginning with one -dram doses in the feed once daily 
and increasing one dram daily until half an ounce is 
given in the feed three times a day. One dram of 
pulverized nux vomica seed in the feed three times 
a day is good. 

FREQUENT URINATING IN MARES 

Some mares have a most disagreeable habit of pass- 
ing small quantities of urine and often switching the 
tail at the same time. Such mares are usually of a 
nervous temperament; and the vice is most likely to 
occur when the animal is irritated or in heat. 

In some cases, when the animal is not badly affected, 
allowing her to raise a colt will cause the difficulty to 
disappear, although it is difficult, as a rule, to get 
such mares to breed. In other instances, the removal 
of the "clitoris," a small organ just inside the lower 
part of the vulva, will stop the trouble. In bad cases, 
the best treatment is to spay the mare. Usually this 
will stop the vice, but sometimes it will not. 



Dropsy 405 



DROPSY 



Dropsy is known by the collecting of watery fluid in 
some part of the body, either in a cavity, as the abdomen, 
or by infiltration into the tissues. Usually dropsy is 
due to a weakened circulation, or to general debilitj'. 

There is swelling of the part without inflammation 
or particular pain. If the fluid is in a cavity, the fact 
is readily determined by the enlargement and its watery 
contents. When the fluid infiltrates into the tissues, 
there is pitting of the part on pressure, the pits remain- 
ing for some time after the pressure is removed. The 
circulation in the part is usually poor, and the region 
is colder than normal. 

A mild dropsical condition is commonly called 
"stocking" or "stocks." In this case the horse's legs 
swell, usually after standing in the stable during the 
winter season. The swelling disappears on driving or 
exercise, but returns on standing. 

The first thing to be done is to restore the circulation 
in the part. In some cases this can be accomplished by 
removing some abnormal pressure that interferes with 
the blood supply. Hand -rubbing, bathing with hot 
water and gentle exercise are good. Some medicine 
should be given to stimulate the kidneys to carry away 
the excess of fluid, such as saltpeter in ounce doses for 
an adult horse once daily for three or four days. A 
variety of nutritious laxative food, to nourish the ani- 
mal and keep the bowels open, is important. Tonic 
condition powders in the feed are excellent. The aim is 
to bring the animal to a vigorous condition. 



406 Thf Care of Animals 

Some cases of dropsy are due to chronic organic 
trouble, and are likely to be serious. The cause of the 
original disease is to be sought and removed, when 
the dropsical condition usually disappears. 

''big leg," lymphangitis 

"Big leg" is an inflammation of the lymphatic glands, 
usually of the hind legs. In some respects it resembles 
"stocking," but it is much more severe and usually af- 
fects the whole system. This disease is also called "milk 
leg," especially when it has become chronic and the 
leg is permanently enlarged. Lymphangitis is most 
frequent in heavy draft horses, or in coarse plethoric 
individuals, but it may occur in any horse. 

The disease is likely to occur after a short period of 
idleness. It usually begins with a chill, which is fol- 
lowed by a fever. The temperature may go to 105°, 
depending on the severity of the attack. The affected 
leg is swollen and tender, the horse is often able to bear 
but little weight on it, and manipulation, especially on 
the inside, causes pain. The lymphatic glands and 
vessels extending down on the inside of the thigh are 
swollen, cord-like and tender. The pulse is full and 
throbbing, respiration rapid, appetite lost and the 
bowels constipated. 

In chronic cases, the leg becomes permanently en- 
larged, the inflammation subsides, and the animal suffers 
little inconvenience except from the immobility of the 
leg. This condition is called "elephantiasis." 

A purgative of six to eight drams of aloes should 



Biff Jjpfj — Loco 407 

be given, to open the bowels freely ; the kidneys may 
be stimulated by giving an ounce of saltpeter once 
daily for three days. The leg should be bathed with 
hot water for twenty minutes at a time three times 
a day, and thoroughly rubbed until dry ; then an oint- 
ment, — two ounces of gum camphor dissolved in eight 
ounces of fresh -melted lard, — should be well rubbed in. 
Iodide of potash, in dram doses, given once daily for 
three days is excellent. Horses subject to this disease 
are said to have "humors in their blood." The disease 
often resembles farcy. 

LOCO DISEASE 

Loco is a disease attacking horses, cattle and sheep 
in the great plains region, due to the eating of two 
plants, commonly called "loco weeds," Astragalus mol' 
lissimus and Oxytropis Lamhertii, both belonging to 
the natural family Leguminosee. These plants, charac- 
teristic of the great plains, attain a height of six 
to twelve inches ; the leaves are compound; and the 
leaflets and stems are covered with a fine pubescence, 
which gives the plant a gray or silvery appearance. 
Of the two plants, the astragalus is the more common 
in the southern part of the great plains, while the 
oxytropis predominates in the northern region. Other 
closely related plants are perhaps also called loco plants. 

The name "/oco" is from the Spanish, and signifies 
crazy. It takes its name from the fact that animals 
that acquire the habit of eating the plant act as if 
insane or foolish, and they are said to be "locoed." 



408 The Care of Animals 

Animals usually begin to eat the loco plants during 
the winter and spring, when other food is scarce. 
Loco weeds remain somewhat green throughout the win- 
ter season, and, though they do not seem palatable at 
first, yet animals eating them under force of circum- 
stances soon acquire the taste, and afterward will leave 
other food to go in search of them. 

As soon as animals acquire a taste for loco, they lag 
behind the herd or wander away in search of their favor- 
ite food. They will often remain by themselves in 
localities where loco weed is abundant, and may go 
several days without water. They crop it close to the 
ground, often getting a portion of the root. Having 
acquired a taste for the loco weed, the animal falls 
away in flesh rapidly, and, as the difficulty pro- 
gresses, they become so emaciated that in the last 
stages they are unable to stand or move about, and, 
unless otherwise destroyed, die of starvation. In 
the early stages, there is general sluggishness, diffi- 
cult locomotion, and a stiff and stilted action of the 
legs, with trembling of the voluntary muscles. If an 
animal lies down and then attempts to rise, several 
efforts may be required, and it may turn a complete 
somersault before gaining its feet. The head trembles 
violently, and the animal may hold its mouth open for 
a time. There is usually a peculiar, vacant stare. The 
animal receives impressions through the eye, but does 
not seem to comprehend them, and will often stand 
for some time staring at a familiar object, exhibiting 
symptoms of fear, until the true nature of the object 
seems to dawn upon its brain. Sometimes, although 



Loco 409 

suffering for water, it seems to be afraid to approach 
a tank for fear of falling in. 

Locoed cattle do not shed the hair readil}^ in the 
spring, and in midsummer they can be distinguished by 
the ragged patches of old hair which are still clinging. 
As the disease progresses, the animal becomes much 
emaciated and there is dropsical swelling of the head 
and legs and other dependent parts of the body. 

Locoed horses exhibit the same general symptoms as 
cattle and sheep. They are uneasy and "weave about" 
when standing, and can be led or pulled along only 
with much difficulty. A straw, stick or shadow across 
the path may cause a locoed horse to sheer violently to 
one side or jump several feet high in order to clear the 
imaginary obstacle. If allowed to stare at it a few mo- 
ments until it comprehends the nature of the object, it 
will usually pass it freely. Locoed horses are subject to 
fits, or "crazy spells." These fits are especially liable to 
occur when che animal is working and the day is warm. 
During the paroxysm, the animal is delirious, and may 
rear and plunge violently, often falling to the ground 
in an unconscious condition, the eyes rolling in their 
sockets or turning so as to expose the whites. These 
fits usually last but a short time. It is generally con- 
sidered that a" locoed horse, although deprived of the 
loco weed until broken of the habit, seldom amounts to 
anything afterward on account of its tendency to have 
fits. Locoed cattle and sheep do not feed well, and can 
be fattened only with difficulty. 

It was formerly supposed that loco resulted from 
some poisonous substance found in the plant, but thor- 



410 The Carp of Animals 

ough chemical examinations have failed to discover any 
poison and the general symptoms indicate that locoed 
animals are suffering from gradual starvation. The 
loco plants do not seem to possess sufficient nourish- 
ment to sustain the animal. 

Animals that show a tendency to eat loco plants 
should be placed where they cannot gain access to them 
and be fed well on nutritious and easily digested food. 
A good tonic condition powder may be given, made 
as follows : 

Sulfate of iron 1 ounce 

Gentian root, pulverized 2 ounces 

Nux vomica seed .1 ounce 

Saltpeter 1 ounce 

The ingredients should be thoroughly pulverized and 
well mixed, and a heaping teaspoonful given in the 
feed three times daily. Cattle and sheep should be 
fatted for the market. 

CORNSTALK DISEASE* 

In the corn-growing regions of the central and 
western states, it is a common practice to turn cattle 
into the fields after the corn has been gathered, in 
order to utilize the stalks that otherwise would be 
wasted. Frequent and heavy losses of cattle occur 
from what is commonly called "cornstalk disease," a 
disorder that occurs only under such conditions as 
these. 

* For further information, see Report of Bureau of Animal Industry, Bulletin 
No. 10, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Bulletin No. 58, Kan. Expt. Station, and Bul- 
letin No. 52, Neb. Expt. Station. 



CornsfaU- Disease -ill 

Cornstalk disease is most common in years when 
there is a heavy growth of cornstalks, and after the 
stalks are thoroughly dried. Attacks also appear to be 
associated with cold, Avet storms. Younger cattle seem 
to be more susceptible than older ones, and the disease 
is most frequent when the cattle are first turned into 
the fields, or changed from one field to another. 

The disease comes on suddenly, with few premoni- 
tory signs. The first symptom usualh* noticed is that 
the animal stands apart from its fellows and appears to 
be ''humped up." If made to move, it does so reluctantly 
with a peculiar, "wabbling" gait. There is switching 
of the tail and kicking toward the belly. There are 
usually indications of delirium, and, as the disease pro- 
gresses, these become more marked and associated with 
signs of severe pain, such as bellowing and moaning. 
Death usually follows within twenty -four hours. The 
real cause of the disease is not definitely known, but is 
probably due either to acute indigestion, as a result of 
too much coarse, indigestible food, or poisoning by 
some substance in the stalks. It is not caused, as often 
supposed, by corn -smut, or by bacteria. There is a 
popular belief that it is caused by impaction, but this 
is only a symptom of the disease. 

There is no medicinal treatment that seems to be of 
any benefit, but the following preventive precautions 
will greatly reduce the losses, if carefully followed: 
Cattle should be well fed and watered before turning 
into the fields, and some laxative food, such as alfalfa 
or millet, fed every day. They should be turned on 
the stalks gradually, beginning with a half hour the first 



412 The. Care of Animals 

day and gradually increasing the time as the animals 
become accustomed to the change of food. It is prob- 
able that several diseases are often confused under 
the name "cornstalk disease." 



This disease is also called "lump jaw," and in some 
localities the bunches, or tumors, are called wens. 
Actinomycosis is due to a veg-etable organism that gains 
entrance to the tissues, and, growing, produces a lump 
or tumor, which may grow to a large size. It usually 
occurs in the region of the head or neck. Figs. 57, 58. 

The first symptom is a slight swelling, such as might 
come from an injury, usually appearing on the face or 
lower jaw. In most cases the enlargement is due to the 
bulging outward of the bone, the fungus causing the 
disease having gotten inside the bone by working its 
way along the roots of the teeth. As the disease pro- 
gresses, the tumor becomes larger and finally breaks, dis- 
charging a thick, sticky pus, but it does not diminish 
much in size as a result of this discharge. It may heal 
temporarily, but it gradually increases in size and, later, 
breaks again. The teeth in the affected part often be- 
come ulcerated and the jaw sore, so that the animal is 
unable to chew its food properly. Actinomycosis is 
rarely seen in calves. 

If a drop of the pus from an actinomycotic tumor is 
spread out thinly on a piece of glass, minute yellow 
specks can be seen with the naked eye. If these specks 
are placed under a microscope and slightly flattened. 



Lumpy Jan' of Caf^le 



413 




Fig. 57. Lumpy jaw, or actinomycosis. 



they will be found to be rosettes of club-shaped fungi. 
This fungus {Cladothrix actinomyces var. lovis) is the 
cause of the disease. 

If the tumor is free from the bone, the best treatment 
is to remove it with the knife, and treat the part as a 
simple wound. If it cannot be removed, in many cases 
it can be cured by giving iodide of potash internally in 



414 The Care of Afiimals 

doses of one to three drams once daily, dissolved in 
a half pint of water. In about a week, a condition 
known as "iodism" is set up. This is shown by a dis- 
charge of mucus from the nose and eyes, and a scurfy 
condition of the skin, especially of the neck, as if bran 
were scattered at the roots of the hair. When iodism is 
noticed, the medicine should be stopped. The tumor in 
most cases gradually disappears, and the animal makes 
a good recovery. If one treatment is not sufficient, it 




Fig. 58. Lumpy jaw, Actinomycosis hovis. 

may be repeated in two weeks. An animal with a tumor 
that is discharging should not be allowed to run with 
other cattle, as the pus scattered on the food may carry 
the disease. In most cases, it is thought that the fun- 
gus grows outside the animal body on material that 
may be taken as food, and, entering a wound, is capable 
of growing and causing the disease. 

If the tumor is not large, or is not discharging so 
as to affect the general health, the flesh of the animal 
is not considered to be dangerous for food. 



Biy Jatv — Rheumatism ' 415 

Some cases can be successfully treated by making 
several punctures into the tumor and inserting pellets 
of arsenic about the size of a large pea wrapped in 
tissue paper. In a few days the tumor will begin to 
separate from the adjoining tissue and slough out. The 
part should be washed with antiseptics and treated as 
a simple wound. 

RHEUMATISM 

Rheumatism usually occurs in animals that are 
confined in damp quarters, without sufficient exercise, 
and especially when the food supply is not adapted to 
the wants of the subject. It is common in young 
animals, especially puppies. 

The animal develops lameness, usually severe, asso- 
ciated with soreness of the muscles and swelling of the 
joints. There is often a high fever, the animal lying 
quietly by itself, as movement causes severe pain. As 
animals become old, there is stiffness of the joints and 
muscles that causes considerable difficulty in locomotion. 
There is also "cracking" of the joints when a horse 
first starts to move. 

The animal should be placed in warm, dry sunny 
quarters and be warmly clad. Laxative food, or a mild 
purgative, should be given to open the bowels. The 
affected muscles and joints may be bathed with warm 
water, wiped dry and well rubbed with a stimulating 
liniment which will not blister the skin. For dogs and 
small animals, a teaspoonful of sweet spirits of niter in 
warm water may be given to stimulate the kidneys and 
reduce the fever. An ounce may be given to a horse, or a 



416 TliP Care of Animals 

heaping teaspoonful of saltpeter twice daily. Iodide of 
potash, in doses varying from three grains for a dog to 
a dram for a horse, may be given once daily, dissolved in 
water. The food of animals suffering from rheumatism 
should be carefully looked after, and a variety of laxa- 
tive, easily digested, nutritious material furnished. For 
puppies, plenty of milk should be allowed. 

" THUMPS " IN PIGS 

"Thumps" is a name that is commonly applied to a 
peculiar spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm or 
midriff in young pigs. This condition is usually as- 
sociated with some disturbance of the digestive system, 
and is likely to occur when the pigs are fed on one kind 
of food. Constipation and lack of exercise are often 
associated with this disease. Feeding the pigs too much 
at a time is often thought to be a cause. The real 
cause of the trouble is not definitely knowm. 

The pigs are noticed to be affected with a sort of 
hiccoughs that is persistent, and if not relieved is 
likely to cause death. There is a jerking movement 
of the muscles of the body that causes a peculiar thump, 
from which the disease takes its name. 

Empty the stomach and bowels by giving a purga- 
tive; this to be followed by a spare diet of laxative, 
nutritious food, given frequently in small amounts. 
Give from two teaspoonfuls to two tablespoonfuls of 
Epsom or Glauber salts, or one to four tablespoonfuls of 
castor -oil, depending on the size and age of the pig. 
From one to four drops of laudanum, with one or two 



Cases of Poisoning 417 

teaspoonfuls of aromatic spirits of ammonia in half a 
cup of quite liot water, will in most cases stop the jerk- 
ing of the muscles. Careful attention is to be given to 
the subsequent feeding. 

POISONING OF ANIMALS 

When animals are maliciously poisoned, the drugs 
commonly used are arsenic (either as "white arsenic" 
or Paris green) or strychnine. When arsenic is used, 
there are symptoms of abdominal pain and irritation of 
the bowels, as shown by purging and straining. When 
strychnine is used the animal is thrown into convul- 
sions, the muscles becoming stiff and rigid. The con- 
vulsions become more frequent, until the animal dies 
from suffocation. 

In all cases, if the animal is seen in the early stages, 
vomiting should be induced, to empty the stomach of 
any poison that has not been absorbed. Cattle and 
horses cannot vomit under ordinary conditions. Vomit- 
ing can be induced by irritating the throat with the fin- 
ger, or by giving a mixture of a teaspoonful of mustard 
in a teacupful of tepid water. If the poison is an irri- 
tant, a dose of oil and milk is excellent to move the 
bowels and soothe them. Any bland oil may be given 
rather freely. After the oil has acted, medicines to stop 
the pain, such as laudanum, may be given, one dram 
to a dog, one ounce to a horse and one to two ounces 
to cattle. 

When strychnine has been taken, the stomach should 
be emptied, if possible, and medicines given to stop 

AA 



|j;it 



418 The Care of Animals 

the contraction of the muscles, as chloral hydrate, in 
dram doses for a medium -sized dog to one ounce for a 
horse, dissolved in plenty of water. When the spasms 
occur, a few whiffs of chloroform or ether will lessen 
their severity. 

Most cases of poisoning by plants occur in the 
spring, when animals are first turned out to pasture 
and before the grass is well started. Animals will then 
eat plants that under other circumstances they would 
not touch. 

Animals confined in yards or corrals, especially where 
weeds are starting in the spring, are very likely to eat 
injurious kinds. They may die from the effects of such 
poisoning. It is probable that poisonous substances 
sometimes develop in plants at particular stages of 
their growth, and disappear as the plants mature. It 
is probable, also, that animals dying from apparent 
poisoning may really be destroyed by a sudden change 
of food, especially from dry food to green ; this is true 
when the green food is not of good quality, and when it 
contains weeds and other irritating material. If an ani- 
mal is hungry and the stomach contains comparatively 
little food, eating a large quantity of green weeds or 
similar material brings on acute indigestion, during 
which decomposition of the contents of the stomach 
seems to take place, and poisons are formed that kill 
the animal very quickly by stopping the action of the 
heart. In such cases, the animals usually show signs 
of muscular weakness, a dripping of saliva from the 
mouth, and great debility. They often lie down and die 
with scarcely a struggle. Whenever animals are to be 



Poisoning 419 

turned to pasture, or when there is any violent or sudden 
change of food, they should be well fed and watered 
before the change is made. They should not be turned 
on pastures until the grasses are well started, so that 
they can get sufficient food without eating weeds or 
other plants that usually start early and that may be 
injurious. Animals that are in poor condition are more 
liable to die from eating poisonous weeds than those in 
good flesh. 

Among the common plants that are poisonous under 
certain conditions, are cockle-burs (Xantliium) . These 
are poisonous when they are first starting in the spring, 
and have but two leaves. Severe losses among both 
hogs and cattle are caused throughout the middle west 
from eating this weed. The leaves of the wild cherry 
{Prumis serotina) , especially when wilted, are also 
poisonous. Tansy is poisonous, although animals will 
seldom eat it unless starved to it; so are the roots 
and young sprouts of the wild parsnip, or cow-bane, 
jimpson weed, yarrow, laurel, buckeye, nightshade, lark- 
spur, sumac, poison ivy, and black nightshade; also, 
some fungi commonly known as toadstools. These 
fungi include the "fly amanita " and "death-cup." 

The symptoms of poisoning usually begin within 
twenty -four to forty -eight hours after the animals are 
turned on the pasture where the poisonous plants grow. 
The symptoms vary with the condition of the animal 
and the amount of the poisonous plants eaten. In 
general, the symptoms may be divided into two groups: 
(1) The first are marked by an irritation of the stomach 
and bowels. These are discharge of saliva in pigs, 



420 The Care of Animals 

nausea and vomiting, colicky pains, purging, bloating, 
and often inflammation of the bowels. (2) The other 
group of symptoms results from the absorption of 
some poisonous substance that seems to paralyze the 
nerve centers, especially those that control the beat- 
ing of the heart and the breathing. There is great 
depression and muscular weakness ; the animal, if able 
to walk, goes with a staggering gait ; it usually lies 
down some time before death, and often dies without a 
a struggle, apparently "tired to death." There is often 
a peculiar vacant stare in the eyes, and sometimes 
delirium. In some animals, there may be a combination 
of these two forms of poisoning. 

When animals die from poisoning as the result of 
irritation of the bowels, the mucous membrane of the 
stomach and small intestine is always congested and 
red, and often severely inflamed ; in fact, the whole 
alimentary canal shows evidence of irritation in being 
unusually red and with blood-vessels prominent. When 
death is due to some poison which is absorbed and acts 
upon the nerve -centers, there are practically no abnor- 
mal conditions to be found after death; although the 
muscle of the heart is frequently congested, giving it 
a striped appearance, and in some cases there may be 
slight irritation of the bowels. The chemical nature of 
the poisons which are supposed to exist in plants is not 
well known, very little work having been done on 
them, and it is practically impossible to isolate them 
from the other contents of the stomach in an ordinary 
chemical examination. 

The treatment of poisoning must depend on the symp- 



Poisoning 421 

toms. If there is severe irritation of the bowels, give a 
purge of castor- or raw linseed -oil, to remove the irrita- 
ting material, and follow with small doses of laudanum, 
to allay the irritation. Gruels and warm sweet milk 
containing beaten raw eggs are soothing and nourishing. 
To animals that can vomit, an emetic of mustard and 
tepid water may be given. In cases in which symptoms 
indicate absorbed poison, and the animal is weak and 
depressed, stimulants should be given, together with 
purgatives, to remove poisonous materials not already 
absorbed. Dilute alcohol or ammonia, in moderate 
doses, should be given frequently until danger from 
collapse is past. In all cases of poisoning it is a good 
plan to give rectal injections of warm water, to stimu- 
late the action of the bowels and to remove their con- 
tents. When an animal is cold and weak, stimulants, 
such as Jamaica ginger, may be given in hot water, 
and the animal placed in warm quarters and rubbed 
vigorously. 

POISONOUS FOODS 

Under certain conditions, some common foods may 
be poisonous to animals. Sorghum, especially second 
growth, may cause death very quickly when animals 
are pastured on it; in some instances death appears to 
result from bloating; in other cases the animals die in 
a few minutes, without the formation of gas in the 
rumen. Little is known of the exact nature of this 
poison, or of adequate treatment for it, death taking 
place so soon that there has been practically no oppor- 
tunity for investigation. Should the animal bloat, it 



422 



The Care of Animals 



should be tapped at once, and treated as in ordinary 

cases of bloating. 

Cattle are sometimes poisoned from eating quantities 

of flax chaff. They are often fed flax straw and chaff 

with good results ; but fine flax chaff should not be fed 
alone to cattle that are not used to it; 
even a small quantity eaten under unfavor- 
able conditions may cause acute indigestion 
and death. It should always be mixed 
with coarser food, and but little given at 
a time. 

Ergotism is a chronic form of poison- 
ing resulting from the eating of ergot. It 
is sometimes serious among cattle. Ergot 
is a fungus that attacks certain grasses, 
especially rye and plants known as "wild 
rye," causing the heads to have abnormal 
grains. This is commonly called "spurred 
rye." Fig. 59. When ergot is eaten in 
any quantity, it causes irritation of the 
bowels, colics, abortion in pregnant fe- 
males, and a sloughing of the extremities. 
Rye, with ergot such as thc fcct and tail. The treatment 

at a{xy^). The . ^ ,, , . ^ . 

diseased grains IS to rcmove thc causc and give good laxa- 

are enlarged and . - ^ 

black. tlVe food. 



Fig. 



MOLDY CORN 



In the corn- growing regions of the West, in years 
when the corn crop is poor and the ears are small and 
damaged by the green corn -worm, the ear, especially 



Moldy Corn 423 

toward the tip, is attacked by mold which forms a 
felt -like growth. The feeding of this corn to horses, 
either as a grain ration or as corn -fodder, during the 
fall and winter, frequently causes heavy losses from a 
disease commonly known as "staggers," or "mad 
staggers," because of the prominent symptoms. 

The symptoms are those of a brain disease. The 
animal appears to be blind and only partially conscious; 
there is often a tendency to turn in a circle to the right 
or left, with a staggering or straddling gait. There is 
usually trembling of the muscles. As the disease pro- 
gresses, the animal becomes delirious and easily excited. 
In many cases the patient will stand with the head or 
breast against a wall or manger, and push. When badly 
affected, animals often will eat apparently from force of 
habit, not because they are hungry. In some cases they 
die in a few hours after they are first noticed to be 
ailing. Most of them die within a few days; a few live 
a week, rarely longer. In a few instances the spinal cord 
is diseased, while the brain remains nearly normal. In 
these cases there is inability to control the muscles, or 
the animal may be unusually sensitive, the least irrita- 
tion of the skin, even touching the animal, often 
causing it to kick violently. Care should be exercised 
in handling a horse to avoid injury, as the animal is 
irresponsible c^nd often in a delirious frenzy. Mules 
are rarely affected by this disease. 

In some cases bunches of horses do not begin to die 
until a month after being turned into the stalk fields; 
and they may contract the disease in a week, or even 
ten days, after the moldy corn has been withheld. 



424 The Care of Animals 

If the spinal cord only is affected the animal fre- 
quently recovers. Laxative food should be provided, and 
iodide of potash in one -dram doses dissolved in water 
may be given once daily for three or four days. When 
the brain is the seat of the disease, practically all 
cases die, and all methods of treatment so far have 
proved of no value. The animal should be placed where 
it will be comfortable, and cannot injure itself or other 
animals, and supplied with soft laxative food, such as 
thin bran mashes. The only treatment is preventive, by 
avoiding the wormy, moldy corn. 

When it is necessary to feed such corn, it should be 
shelled and poured into a tub of water; the diseased 
kernels will float and can be skimmed off. Cattle and 
hogs do not seem to be injured by eating moldy corn. 

MOLDY SILAGE 

In the spring, when the weather becomes warm, silage 
is likely to spoil unless it is in a silo of small diameter, 
so that it can be fed out rapidly. When a silo is first 
opened there is some silage on or near the surface which 
has spoiled. This silage should not be fed, as it may 
cause fatal poisoning. 

In cows there is loss of appetite, constipation and 
weakness, followed later by profuse diarrhea and strain- 
ing, then delirium and death. There is labored breath- 
ing, due to the filling of the lung tissue with gas. 

In horses there is weakness, trembling of the volun- 
tary muscles, difficulty in eating and swallowing, 
delirium, and, in most cases, death. 



Moldy Foods 425 

In the early stages give mild purgatives of three- 
fourths pound of Epsom salts, and (for a horse) a 
quart of raw linseed -oil, followed in both cases with 
stimulants, as three to six ounces of whiskey in water. 
When delirium or excitement begins to show, give 
bromide of potash in half -ounce doses, repeated every 
four hours. Laudanum may also be given in one- to 
two -ounce doses. 

MOLDY OATS, HAY AND FORAGE 

When fed to horses and mules, moldy oats and hay 
and forage are likely to cause the same trouble as 
described above under moldy corn. The disease is 
called cerebro- spinal meningitis, cerebritis, "mad stag- 
gers," or simply "staggers." The cause of the trouble 
should be sought and removed. The treatment is the 
same as for moldy corn poisoning. 

Treatment for poisoning by forage of various kinds 
is not satisfactory, as it is difficult to relieve the animal 
of the injurious food, even if it has not already been ab- 
sorbed. The only treatment is to give medicine accord- 
ing to the. symptoms, since, for most of the poisons of 
this class, there are no known antidotes. 

INJURY FROM COTTON -SEED MEAL 

Cotton -seed meal is one of the most valuable of the 
concentrated feeds. It is rich in protein and is easily 
digested, but if fed to cattle in too large quantities, 
and long continued, it is likely to induce a disease of 



426 The Care of Animals 

the nervous system, which is shown by a peculiar vacant 
stare in the eyes and twitching or trembling of the 
voluntary muscles. The disease comes on gradually 
and seldom causes any loss, as it can be remedied by 
withholding the cotton- seed meal. In fattening cattle 
for the market on cotton -seed meal, it is seldom advis- 
able to full -feed them for more than one hundred days. 
The symptoms described may appear after the animals 
have been on full feed for seventy -five daj^s. 

When swine are fed large quantities of cotton -seed 
meal there sometimes results a severe irritation of the 
bowels, which in some respects resembles hog cholera, 
and may cause death. There may also be indigestion 
and heart failure. Swine sometimes die from an excess 
of cotton -seed meal when following cattle in the feed 
yards. 

DIRTY HAY 

Hay that is grown on river -bottoms that are subject 
to overflow sometimes contains a large amount of sand 
and other dirt. When such hay is fed it may set up 
severe diarrhea, due to irritation of the bowels. The 
treatment is to remove the cause. Dirty or musty hay 
should not be fed to horses on account of the danger 
of digestion troubles, and its tendency to cause heaves. 

LEAD POISONING IN CATTLE 

Lead poisoning in cattle is rather common, and 
arises in most cases from licking paint from boards, 
drinking water from paint cans or kegs or from lead- 



Poisoning 427 

lined receptacles. The symptoms are weakness, prostra- 
tion and purging. Treatment is not satisfactory. Stimu- 
lants are given to overcome the weakness, and after the 
bowels are well emptied they are quieted by laudanum 
(in two -ounce doses for adult cattle). 

OTHER POISONS 

Various materials that contain poisons are often 
eaten by cattle with serious results. Fatal cases are re- 
ported from bags that had contained nitrate of soda be- 
ing chewed by cattle. Utensils containing Paris green 
are often left where cattle can drink the water that 
they mav collect. In all cases of poisoning, all sources 
of possible injury should be carefully considered before 
malicious poisoning is suspected. 



CHAPTER XVIII 

BECIPES AND BRIEF ADVICE 

No printed page can take the place of experience and 
good judgment ; yet it is possible to present in brief 
space the general average of conclusions reached by 
many persons in many years. Such brief advice is here 
attempted, as a kind of ready reference. Whenever in 
doubt, consult a skilled veterinarian. If animals are 
worth growing at all, they are worth the advice of 
a man that kmows. 

DOSES OF MEDICINE 

In giving medicine to animals, especially if the per- 
son is not familiar with the action of the drug, it is 
best to give small doses and repeat frequently until the 
desired effect is produced, rather than to give large 
doses. 

The doses described in this chapter are for adult ani- 
mals. The age, size and temperament of the animal is 
alwaj^s to be taken into consideration. Ruminants with 
compound stomachs, as cattle and sheep, can take much 
more medicine, in proportion to their size, than animals 
with simple stomachs. As a rule, a cow will take about 
half as much again as a horse. Sheep will take about 
one -third as much as a horse. The dose for a good- 

(428) 



Doses of Medicine 429 

sized dog is approximately that for a man. Puppies 
must not be given large doses, especially if they belong 
to the small breeds. Colts one year old take about 
one -third the dose of an adult horse ; at two years old, 
about one -half the dose. The same ratio will hold with 
regard to young cattle. 

Medicines should always be well diluted, to prevent 
injury to the animal. In the use of medicines, two 
systems of measurement are employed. For solid sub- 
stances apothecaries' weight is used, the following table 
giving the weight and symbols: 

Symbol 

1 grain gr. 

20 grains = 1 scruple 9 

3 scruples = 1 dram (or drachm) 5 

8 drams = 1 ounce ^ 

12 ounces =1 pound Jb. 

The scruple is not often used at present in weighing 
medicines. 

For fluid substances the following measures of 
capacity are used : 

1 minim m. 

60 minims = 1 fluid dram fj 

8 fluid drams = 1 fluid ounce f^ 

16 fluid ounces = 1 pint O. 

2 pints = 1 quart Qt. 

4 quarts =1 gallon C. 

In writing a prescription, if a fluid dram or ounce is 
intended, the letter/ is placed before the symbol. To 
indicate the number of measures to be taken the letter 



430 The Care of Animals 

i or j is placed after the symbol, oue for each measure 
to be used. Three ounces would be written Siij. 

A minim is about equal to a drop, depending, of 
course, on the fluidity of the drug and its manner of 
dropping. A drop may also be estimated to equal one 
grain. A teaspoon holds about a fluid dram, a dessert 
spoon about two drams, and a tablespoon half a fluid 
ounce. A good-sized tumbler holds about half a pint, 
o«r eight ounces. Teacups hold from six to eight 
ounces. 

Acetic Acid (see Vinegar). Pure acetic acid is used 
to remove warts. Soak warts well with it. 

Aconite Tincture. Horses, 10 to 20 drops ; cattle, 
20 to 30 drops ; sheep, 10 drops ; dogs and pigs, 1 to 5 
drops. Good for fevers and inflammations, but should 
not be given when heart action is weak. Applied 
externally, it relieves pain, but should be used in small 
amounts. Poisonous. 

Alcohol, Whiskey, Brandy. Doses from 1 dram to 
4 ounces, depending on size and age. Should be largely 
diluted with water. Good for chills, depression and 
collapse, or when the animal is very weak. 

Aloes. Horses, 5 to 8 drams; cattle, 1 to iX ounces. 
Give as a ball. In small doses, 1 dram, it is a bitter 
tonic for horses and cattle. 

Alum. Horses, 1 dram ; cattle, 3 drams ; sheep, 
% dram; pigs, % dram. Used for diarrhea. In solu- 
tion, used for sore mouth. 

Alum, Burnt. Dusted on old sores and proud flesh. 

Ammonia Water. Horses, % ounce ; cattle, 1 ounce; 
sheep, 2 drams ; pigs and dogs, % to 1 dram. Dilute 



Medicines 431 

with water. Good in indigestion, colic, bloating and 
as a stimulant. Externally, used in liniments. 

Arnica Tincture. Horses, % to 1 ounce ; cattle, 1 
ounce ; sheep, 2 drams ; pigs, % dram. Causes sweat- 
ings and lessens fever. Externally, mildly stimulating 
to skin. 

Arsenic (Fowler's Solution). Horses, 2 to 4 drams; 
cattle, 4 to 6 drams ; sheep and pigs, 5 to 20 drops ; 
dogs, 1 to 5 drops. Given as a tonic in chronic diseases 
and in heaves. Give in food, or after eating. 

Asafoetida, Gum. Horses, 2 drams; cattle, 4 drams; 
sheep, 1 dram. Give in a ball. 

Asafoetida, Tincture. Horses, 2 ounces ; cattle, 8 
to 4 ounces; sheep, % ounce; pigs and dogs, 1 to 2 
drams. Good for colic, indigestion, constipation and 
worms. 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract. Horses, X dram; cattle, 
1 dram ; sheep, 20 drops ; pigs, 3 drops ; dogs, % to 3 
drops. Good in fevers, cramp colic, tetanus and caked 
bag. Do not repeat doses frequently. 

Blue Stone (Sulfate of Copper). Antiseptic astrin- 
gent and mild caustic. Used externally on wounds, 
either dusted on or in solution, 1 ounce to 1 pint of 
water, or stronger if necessary. 

Boric Acid. Non -poisonous antiseptic. Used for 
sore mouth, sore eyes, roup and to inject into udder. 
Used in solution, 20 grains to 1 ounce of water. 

Butter of Antimony. Used pure on swab as a caus- 
tic, to burn out proud flesh, old sores and fistulaB. Not 
used internally. 

Calomel. Horses, Xto 1 dram; cattle, 1 to 2 drams; 



432 The Care of Animals 

sheep and pigs, 5 to 20 grains. General purgative, and 
used to expel worms. Externally, dusted in old sores 
to dry up and heal them. 

Camphor. See Spirits of Camphor. 

Cantharides. See Spanish Flies. 

Carbolic Acid. Used as antiseptic to hasten healing 
of wounds and sores; also as disinfectant. Dissolve 1 
part of acid in 30 parts of water. Poisonous. 

Castor-oil. Horses, 1 to 2 pints; sheep, 4 ounces ; 
pigs, 2 ounces ; calves, 2 to 4 ounces. An excellent 
purgative. Small doses, combined with laudanum, ex- 
cellent for scours. 

Charcoal. Finely pulverized is used in condition 
powders and dusted on wounds. Hogs like charcoal 
to eat. 

Chloroform. Given by inhalation to produce anaes- 
thesia. Must be given dogs very carefully or it will 
kill them. For colic in horses, 1 dram given with 
laudanum is excellent. 

Copperas (Sulfate of Iron). Horses, 1 dram ; cattle, 
2 drams ; sheep, 20 grains ; pigs, 10 grains. Excellent 
tonic in debilitated conditions and diarrhea. Useful 
in condition powders. 

Corrosive Sublimate (Mercury Bichloride). Used 
externally as antiseptic and disinfectant. Dissolve 1 
part in 1,000 parts water. As a caustic, 1 part corro- 
sive sublimate dissolved in 50 parts alcohol and add 50 
parts water. Used to swab out fistulas. Very poisonous. 

Creolin. Antiseptic, disinfectant and valuable to 
destroy parasites. Used in solution 1 part Creolin to 
100 parts water. 



Medicines 433 

Epsom Salts. Purgative for cattle and sheep. 
Cattle take 1 to 1% pounds; sheep, 2 to 4 ounces, dis- 
solved in warm water. 

Ether, Sulfuric. Given by inhalation to produce 
anaesthesia. For colic in horses, 1 dram given with 
laudanum is excellent. 

Fowler's Solution. See Arsenic. 

Gentian Root, Powdered. Horses, 2 drams ; cattle, 
4 drams ; sheep, 1 dram. Bitter tonic used in condition 
powders. 

Ginger. Horses, % ounce ; cattle, 1 ounce ; sheep, 
2 drams ; pigs, 1 dram. Good in flatulent colic and 
as a tonic. 

Glauber's Salts. Cattle, 1 to 1% pounds at dose ; 
sheep, 2 to 4 ounces. Dissolve in water and give as 
a drench. An excellent purgative for ruminants. 

Glycerin. Two to 4 ounces in water makes an ex- 
cellent enema (injection). Externally, softens and 
soothes irritated parts. 

Iodine Tincture. Used externally to kill ring-worm 
and to reduce enlarged glands, wind -puffs, etc. Should 
be painted on once daily until part begins to get sore. 
Inject into old sores and fistula once in eight days. 

Jamaica Ginger. Horses, 1 ounce; cattle, 2 ounces; 
sheep, % ounce ; calves and foals, % ounce. Give in 
milk. Good for diarrhea and as a stimulant. 

Kerosene. Internally, good for stomach worms. 
Give lambs 1 to 2 drams in sweet -oil. Externally, is 
mildly irritant. Rub it in well. 

Lard. Used fresh to rub on irritated skin, softens 
and soothes. Internally, given as a purgative to small 

BB 



434 The Care of Animals 

animals. Melt and give from 1 to 8 ounces, according 
to size. 

Laudanum. Horses, 1 ounce; cattle, 1 to 2 ounces; 
sheep, 2 drams ; dogs and pigs, 5 to 20 drops. Re- 
lieves pain, colic and diarrhea. Externally, relieves 
pain. 

Lime Water. Made by slaking fresh lime, allowing 
it to settle and using the clear water. Useful in diar- 
rhea of young animals. Dilute their milk one -third 
with lime water. Finely pulverized air -slaked lime is 
good to dry up sores by being dusted on. 

Linseed -oil, Raw. Horses, 1 to 2 pints; cattle, 2 
to 3 pints; sheep, % pint; calves, 4 to 8 ounces; lambs, 
2 ounces; dogs, % to 2 ounces. Purgative and soothing. 
Do not choke animal in giving. Externally, 1 part 
carbolic acid to 25 parts oil, for scratches in horses. 

Mercury. See Corrosive Siihlimate and Calomel. 

Mustard. A heaping teaspoonful in 4 to 6 ounces of 
warm water is an excellent emetic for dogs and pigs. 
Mixed with warm water to a paste and applied to skin, 
it blisters. Used as a blister in lung diseases. 

Niter. See Sweet Spirits of Niter. 

Nux Vomica (Powdered Seed). Horses, X to 1 
dram ; cattle, 2 drams ; sheep, 20 grains ; pigs, 10 
grains. Used in paralysis or weak, debilitated condi- 
tion. Useful in condition powders. The active prin- 
ciple is strychnine, and when twitching of muscles 
occurs medicine must be stopped. Poisonous. 

Oak -bark Decoction. Boil 1 ounce of bark in 1 
pint of water. Colts and calves, 1 to 2 ounces ; lambs, 
% ounce. Give in milk. Can double dose, if necessary. 



Medicines ^ 435 

Good for diarrhea. Externally, dries up sores and 
toughens skin. 

Peppermint Essence. Horses, 20 drops ; cattle, 30 
drops ; sheep, 10 drops ; pigs, 5 drops ; dogs, 2 to 5 
drops. Good in indigestion and colic. Give in sweet- 
ened hot water. 

Quinine. Horses, % to 1 dram; cattle, 2 to 4 drams; 
sheep, % dram ; pigs, 10 grains ; dogs, 1 to 5 grains. 
Reduces fever. Stimulates, and in small doses is bitter 
tonic. 

Salts. See Epsom and Glauber^ s Salts. 

Salt, Common. Useful as food in small quantities. 
Solution of 1 ounce salt to 1 pint water is good for 
sores and wounds. Give all animals a little salt in 
food. 

Saltpeter (Nitrate of Potash). Horses, 1 ounce; 
cattle, 1 to 1% ounces ; sheep, 2 drams. Reduces fevers 
and dropsical swellings. Stimulates the kidneys. Ex- 
ternally, dissolved in water, is cooling lotion. 

Soda Bicarbonate (Baking Soda). Horses, 1 ounce; 
cattle, 2 ounces ; sheep, % ounce ; pigs, 2 drams. 
Useful for indigestion. Give before feeding. 

Spanish Flies (Cantharides). Pulverized and mixed 
with 6 to 8 parts of lard is used as a blister. Not given 
internally. 

Spirits of Camphor. Horses, 2 to 4 drams ; cattle, 
1 ounce ; sheep, 2 drams ; dogs and pigs, 10 drops to 
^ dram. Give with water. Good for colic, diarrhea, 
coughs, and to lessen pain. Checks milk secretion. 
Externally, good to relieve pain and sprains. 

Sugar of Lead. Used externally to heal sores and 



436 The Care of Animals 

wounds. Dissolve 1 ounce in 1% pints water. Used 
in white lotion as follows : 

Sugar of lead 1 ounce 

White vitriol 6 drams 

Water 1 pint 

Shake well before using. 

Sulfate of Copper and Iron. See Blue Stone and 
Copperas. 

Sulfur. Cattle and horses, % ounce ; sheep, 1 dram; 
pigs, 20 grains. Dusted in hair useful against lice and 
mites. Not often used internally. Ointment, 1 part 
sulfur to 6 parts lard, good for lice. Sulfur is often 
burned in closed empty room to disinfect. Set vessel 
containing burning sulfur in a larger vessel filled with 
water, to prevent danger from fire. 

Sweet Spirits of Niter. Horses, 1 to 2 ounces ; 
cattle, 2 to 3 ounces ; dogs and pigs, % to 2 drams. 
Give in water. Stimulant, and acts on kidneys. Good 
in cramp colic, and in small doses reduces fever. 

Tincture Chloride of Iron. Used for sore mouth 
and sore throat. Use % ounce tincture of iron to 8 
ounces of water. 

Tobacco. Not given internally. Externally, a decoc- 
tion is good for mites and lice. Use it weak. 

Turpentine. Horses, % to 2 ounces ; cattle, 2 to 3 
ounces; sheep, 1 to 3 drams ; pigs, 1 dram; dogs, 5 to 
30 drops. Give in oil, gruel or milk. Good for colic, 
bloating and intestinal worms. Stimulates the kidneys. 
Externally it is an irritant. Used in liniments. 

Vaseline. Softens and sooths parts. Used as a 
base for ointments. 



Medicines 487 

Vinegar. Used externally as a cooling, stimulating- 
lotion. Can be used hot. Internally, in small doses 
diluted with water, for cooling fevers. 

Whiskey. See Alcohol. 

COMMON PRESCRIPTIONS 

Absorbing Ointment 

Crystals of iodine % dram 

Iodide of potash X dram 

Lard 1 ounce 

Mix them thoroughly into an ointment. This is ex- 
cellent for removing enlargements. It is to be rubbed 
in well once daily until the part begins to get sore; then 
withhold for a day or two, and repeat. 

Colic Mixture 

Laudanum 4 ounces 

Aromatic spirits of ammonia 3 ounces 

Sulfuric ether % ounce 

Essence of Jamaica ginger 4 ounces 

Add water to make a pint. 

From two to three ounces of this can be given in a 
teacupful of hot water. The second dose can be given 
in one -half hour to one hour, and repeated an hour 
later. Always dilute the medicine with water, not 
enough to scald the animal. 

Fly Blister 

Gum camphor X ounce 

Cantharides 2 drams 

Lard 2 ounces 



438 The Care of Animals 

The camphor and eantharides are to be pulverized 
and mixed with the lard. The blister is to be well 
rubbed in for four to ten minutes, depending on the 
severity of the blister required. 

Red Blister 

Gum camphor % ounce 

Biniodide of mercury . . ' 2 drams 

Lard 2 ounces 

Pulverize and mix well. Rub in from four to eight 

minutes. 

Cough Mixture 

Fluid extract of belladonna X ounce 

Pulverized opium % ounce 

Gum camphor, pulverized 2 drams 

Ammonia chloride % ounce 

Add molasses and flour to make eight ounces of 
paste. With a small wooden paddle daub a teaspoonful 
on the back teeth three or four times daily. 

Drying Powder. Healing Powder 

Air-slaked lime, finely pulverized 12 parts 

Tannic acid, pulverized 1 part 

This is excellent for summer sores, galls, and any 
raw surface. The powder is to be dusted on frequently. 

Soothing Lotion 

Laudanum 2 ounces 

Aconite tincture 1 ounce 

Soap liniment 5 ounces 

This liniment is to relieve pain and soreness in 



Medicines 439 

part where there is much inflammation. It will not 
blister. It is good for sprains, etc. 

Liniment 

Aqua ammonia 1 ounce 

Turpentine 1 ounce 

Linseed -oil 6 ounces 

Mix and apply by rubbing. The bottle should be 
kept well corked. If a stronger liniment is desired, a 
little more turpentine and ammonia may be added. This 
will blister if used freely and rubbed in, especially if it 
is covered to prevent evaporation. 

Liniment 

Dissolve one -half ounce of gum camphor in eight 
ounces of alcohol, add one dram of oil of sassafras, then 
add eight ounces of concentrated aqua ammonia. Keep 
in a bottle with a glass or rubber stopper. This is an 
excellent liniment and will blister if used freely. 

White Lotion 

Zinc sulfate (white vitriol) 6 drams 

Lead acetate (sugar of lead) 1 ounce 

Water 1 pint 

Shake well before using. 

White lotion is used extensively for wounds, sores, 
scratches, summer sores and fistulas. It can be applied 
three times daily. 

Ointment, Oxide of Zinc 

Oxide of zinc 1 ounce 

Benzoa-ted lard 4 ounces 



440 The Care of Animals 

Mix well together. Used externally for dry, angry- 
looking sores. An excellent healing ointment. 

Purging Ball 

Pulverized aloes, from five to eight drams^ according 
to size of horse. Mix it with molasses and add pul- 
verized ginger root to make a stiff dough, wrap it in 
oiled tissue paper and give as a ball. The horse should 
have bran ^mashes for two or three meals previously to 
giving this ball. Aloes is also used as a tonic medi- 
cine (see page 430). 

BRIEF ADVICE ON THE COMMONER DISEASES * 

Abortion. Burn or bury deep the foetal calf and 
membranes. Clean and disinfect the stall, and isolate 
the cow from other pregnant cows. Wash out the 
uterus and vagina with a solution of one part of creolin 
to 100 parts of water as long as there is any discharge. 
Do not breed healthy cows to infected bulls. Page 374, 

Abscesses. Poultice the part, or bathe with hot 
water, until pus can be detected ; then open at the most 
dependent part, to give free drainage. Wash out with 
warm water and use antiseptics, such as one part of 
carbolic acid in 30 parts of water. Inject once daily, 
keep the part clean and the hair greased below the 
wound. Page 166. 

Afterbirth ( retained ) . Wind the free part on a 
stick, oil or soap the hand and arm, and, holding the 

*For lists of diseases of the various animals, see Index. 



Brief Advice 441 

stick in the left hand, insert the right hand into the 
uterus, loosen the afterbirth with the fingers and 
remove. Page 206; 

Anthrax. Isolate and vaccinate healthy animals. 
Burn dead animals or bury them deep, and disinfect 
thoroughly. There is no medicinal treatment. Quar- 
antine against the disease, and exercise care that 
persons do not become infected. Page 360. 

Black-leg. Remove the well animals from the in- 
fected quarters or pasture and vaccinate them. Purge 
the sick and give them exercise. Stimulants and 
laxative foods should be given. Page 362. 

Bloating in Cattle. If very bad, tap at once. Put 
gag in mouth and give salt. Dash cold wat^r on body, 
and blanket. Give turpentine in two -ounce doses in 
milk as a drench, baking soda in two -ounce doses, or 
a dose of salts, about one pound for an adult. Page 
260. 

Bog Spavin. Apply iodine as tincture or ointment, 
or an absorbing ointment, until parts get sore, then 
withhold. Put pressure on part by truss or bandage. 
Hand -rubbing is good. Page 238. 

Bone Spavin. A high -heeled shoe on affected leg, 
lower on the inside. Blister the spavin and give rest. 
If a bad case, fire and blister. Page 227. 

Bronchitis. Comfortable quarters, with plenty of 
fresh air. Clothe the body warmly. Give sweet spirits 
of niter in ounce doses in early stages ; later give aco- 
nite in fifteen -drop doses and belladonna in thirty -drop 
doses, alternating every two hours. Be careful, in 
drenching, not to get medicine into lungs. Page 280. 



442 The Care of Animals 

Bunches, or Enlargements. Treat as bog spavin. 
Light blisters are also good. Page 226. 

Burns and Scalds. A strong solution of baking 
soda, to relieve the pain. One part of carbolic acid 
to fifty parts of linseed -oil or vaseline. 

Caked Udder. Bathe in hot water, wipe dry, and 
rub in an ointment of one part of gum camphor dis- 
solved in eight parts of melted lard. Support udder 
with suspensory. Give saltpeter internally in one-ounce 
doses twice daily for three days. Page 210. 

Choking. Work obstacle up, if possible ; if not, 
work it down by manipulating from outside. A gag 
in the mouth of cattle, with salt on back of tongue, is 
good. Push obstacle down with probang, or with 
rubber hose with a rope drawn through to stiffen it. 
As a last resort, cut in and take it out. Page 255. 

Colic. Allow the horse to roll, but prevent his j in- 
juring himself. Give colic remedy or baking soda in 
tablespoonful doses in hot water as a drench. Essence 
of peppermint in tablespoonful doses, or essence of 
Jamaica ginger in two-ounce doses, or laudanum in one- 
ounce doses, all to be given in hot water. Examine the 
diet for the cause. Page 266. 

Constipation. Give a dose of castor-oil, to small 
animals from one -half to two ounces. For large ani- 
mals, give from one to two quarts of raw linseed -oil. 
Follow this with laxative food and moderate exercise. 
Look for the cause of the difficulty. Page 275, 

Corns. If there is "matter," open, wash out with 
antiseptics and keep clean. Relieve the pressure on the 
part and protect with a bar shoe. Page 97. 



Brief Advice 443 

Curb. Put on a high-heeled shoe, blister lightly, 
and repeat in four weeks if necessary. Give the horse 
rest. Page 241. 

Drunk on Apples. Give cows small (%- pound) 
doses of salts, followed by stimulants. Whiskey in 
four-ounce doses with hot water, aromatic spirits of 
ammonia in two -ounce doses in water, or essence of 
Jamaica ginger in two -ounce doses in hot water. 

Eversion of Uterus. Wash off, return and hold in 
place by two or three stitches through the lips of the 
vulva. Put on a rope truss, to help hold stitches. 
Give laudanum in one -ounce doses to stop straining; 
also tie a small rope around body in front of hind legs 
for same purpose. Page 207. 

Farcy. See Glanders. 

Fleas. Wash animal with solution of one part cre- 
olin to fifty parts of water, or use tar soap with warm 
soft water, and leave lather on for ten minutes or more. 
Insect powder is good. Page 318. 

Fouls in Cattle. Clean out cleft between toes, apply 
turpentine and dust in finely pulverized air -slaked lime. 
If fouls is of long standing and bad, poultice the foot, 
clean out well, cauterize with butter of antimony applied 
with a swab, and dust in calomel. Keep feet clean and 
dry. Page 303. 

Founder. See Laminitis. 

Fractures. If fracture can be treated and the animal 
is worth it, put on splints after getting the bones in 
proper position. Keep the animal quiet and give a 
variety of laxative food. Page 217. 

Galls. Remove the cause and keep the parts clean 



444 The Care of Animals 

and dry. Wash three times daily, and apply white 
lotion; then dust on finely pulverized air -slaked lime. 
Oxide of zinc ointment is good. 

Glanders. Isolate the horse until disease is diag- 
nosed, then destroy the horse and bury it deep or burn. 
Disinfect stables, utensils and equipment. Care is to 
be exercised not to contract the disease, as it is fatal 
to man. Page 356. 

Heaves. Wet the food and give easily digested, but 
not bulky, kinds. Tonic condition powders. Fowler's 
solution of arsenic in half -ounce doses in the food once 
daily for ten days. Careful feeding and dieting give 
good results. Page 286. 

Hoven. See Bloating. 

Hydrophobia. See Babies. 

Impaction of the Rumen. Give small dos^s of oil 
with linseed or flour gruel. Small doses of stimulants 
are good. As a last resort, cut into the rumen on the 
left side and remove the contents. Close up the rumen 
with fine stitches of catgut, and sew up the muscles 
separately. Give only milk and gruels for ten days 
after the operation. Page 259. 

Indigestion. Give a mild purgative of oil or salts, 
followed by small doses of Jamaica ginger and tonics. 
Feed sparingly with laxative, easily digested food. Diet 
the animal for a time. Look for the cause and remove 
it. Page 264. 

Inflammation of the Bowels. Give a dose of 
castor- or raw linseed- oil, followed by laudanum to 
quiet the pain. Page 271. 

Inflammation of the Eye. Look for foreign bodies, 



Brief Advice 445 

lime in the form of white -wash, and remove, if present. 
Bathe with warm water or apply cold in the form of 
cracked ice. Wash out the eyes with a solution of boric 
acid, twenty grains to the ounce of water. Page 308. 

Knuckling. In adult horses, remedy by shoeing. 
In colts, wrap the parts with soft bandages and apply 
splints. Most colts will outgrow it. Page 235. 

Laminitis, or Founder. Pull off the shoes and apply 
poultices, or wrap the feet well with cloths wet in cold 
water. Induce the horse to lie down, if possible. Give 
saltpeter internally in ounce doses dissolved in water 
as a drench three times daily. Give mashes to loosen 
the bowels. For chronic sore feet, a bar shoe with a 
rubber cushion between frog and shoe, gives relief. 
Page 93. 

Lice. Insect poAvder dusted in the hair or feathers. 
Kerosene emulsion, or a solution of creolin one part to 
fifty parts of water. Give salt and sulfur to the animal 
to lick. Feed well and keep clean. Clean and disinfect 
the quarters and apply hot coal-tar to cracks, corners, 
roosts, etc. Page 314. 

Lockjaw, or Tetanus. Place the horse in dark, 
quiet quarters, and do not disturb. Open and disinfect 
the wound. Use a solution of one part of glycerin, 
one part of water and two parts of pure carbolic acid. 
Inject one dram with a hypodermic syringe every two 
hours beneath the skin of the neck or shoulders for 
forty -eight hours, then once in four hours. Do not 
drench. Give milk and gruels, with raw eggs, to drink. 
Page 291. 

Maggots. Clean the wound and remove all scabs 



M 



446 The Care of Animals 

and dead tissue. Apply pure creolin. Kerosene is 
also good. Page 328. 

Milk Fever. Get cow into comfortable quarters and 
keep her propped up on her brisket. If cow can swallow 
well, give a small dose of salts as a drench. Give the 
Schmidt treatment. Dash cold water on the cow, rub 
briskly and blanket warmly. Give enemas to empty the 
bowels. Do not drench with medicines. Page 212. 

Poisoning. If there is irritation of the bowels, give 
raw linseed -oil. If there is weakness, give stimulants, 
and when there is pain or convulsions, give laudanum 
or vapor of ether inhaled, to quiet. Page 417. 

Punctures of Foot. If pus has formied, cut away 
the hoof and open freely and inject antiseptics. Keep 
foot clean and dry. Protect with a bar shoe as it heals. 
Page 100. 

Quarter Crack. Draw the crack together with nails 
and clinch. Apply tar to keep out the dirt. Blister 
the coronet lightly. Page 101. 

Rabies, Hydrophobia. Destroy the animal. Per- 
sons should take the Pasteur treatment. Page 367. 

Ring-bone. Fire, blister and give rest. Page 231. 

Ring-worm. Iodine either as tincture or ointment. 
Turpentine or pure creolin. Page 313. 

Scouring. Give a dose of castor- or linseed -oil, fol- 
lowed by laudanum in doses of a teaspoonful to calves 
to an ounce for a horse and two ounces for large cattle. 
Jamaica ginger in hot water. Dilute calves' milk with 
one -fourth limewater. Dried blood, in teaspoonful 
doses, is good. Look for the cause of the trouble and 
remove it. Page 273. 



Brief Advice 447 

Scratches. Clip the hair, poultice, clean well and 
apply white lotion, then oil or vaseline. Carbolic acid, 
one part in twenty parts of linseed -oil. Keep parts 
clean, dry and well oiled. If bad, cauterize after 
poulticing. Page 301. 

Sore Mouth. Swab out the mouth with the same 
solution as for sore throat. Give soft foods. Page 246. 

Sore Throat. Give gruels and soft foods. With a 
syringe, force half an ounce of the following solution 
into the back part of the mouth every four hours : 
Tincture of iron, one ounce ; water, one pint. Rub a 
stimulating liniment on the outside of the throat. 
Page 254. 

Splint. In most cases, let alone. Lower the inside 
quarter to take the weight off splint. Put a light 
blister over the part. Page 233. 

Sprains. Bathe the part with hot water, to relieve 
the inflammation. Applications of cold water are good. 
After the inflammation has subsided apply liniments. 
If lameness continues, blister lightly. Page 238. 

Stifle. Replace stifle by putting a strap around 
fetlock, draw the leg forward and push bone into place. 
Blister the part. Keep the leg forward and the horse 
standing for forty -eight hours. Page 235. 

Stomach Staggers. Let the horse rest. Give a 
ball of aloes, to empty the bowels. Diet the horse, and 
do not drive rapidly soon after feeding, while the stom- 
ach is filled with food. See that the harness does not 
interfere with the breathing or circulation of blood to 
the h^ead. Page 258. 

Sunstroke. Get the animal into the shade, dash 



448 The Care of Animals 

cold water on the head or apply cracked ice to the poll. 
Loosen the harness and give plenty of fresh air. If 
there is much depression, with a weak, thready or irreg- 
ular pulse, give stimulants, as whiskey in four -ounce 
doses well diluted with water. Page 297. 

Swollen Legs. Give a purge to empty the bowels, 
and ounce doses of saltpeter to adult horses once daily 
for three days to stimulate the kidneys. Allow moderate 
exercise. Page 406. 

Tetanus. See Lockjaw. 

Texas Fever. Keep susceptible cattle from tick- 
infested ground. Remove ticks from susceptible ani- 
mals. Give laxative food, such as green corn and 
sweet milk. Page 370. 

Ticks. Keep cattle off infected ground. Scrape off 
ticks with dull knife. Grease with carbolized lard, 
vaseline or crude petroleum. Use Christianas dip. 
Page 336. 

Thoroughpin. Wind -puffs. Treat same as bog 
spavin. Page 239. 

Wolf Teeth. Extract with forceps. Page 251. 

Wounds. Stop the bleeding and close the wound 
by stitches, with plasters or by means of a bandage. 
First remove all foreign bodies from the wound, and 
treat with antiseptics. Wash daily and use antiseptics, 
but do not disturb more than ne-cessary. If proud-flesh 
forms, use a caustic to burn it out ; when there is 
much discharge from the surface, use a healing pow- 
der of one part tannic acid to eight parts pulverized 
air -slaked lime. Page 158. 



INDEX 



Abortion, brief advice, 440; causes of, 

199; contagious, 374. 
Abscesses, 166 ; brief advice, 440. 
Absorbent cotton for bleeding, 161. 
Absorbing ointment, 437. 
Acetic acid, 430. 
Acid, carbolic, 153. 
Aconite, doses of, 430. 
Actinomycosis, 412. 
Acute abscesses, 166. 
Afterbirth, removal of, 206; retained, 

brief advice, 440. 
Age of cattle, 58; of horse, 51; shown 

by teeth, 53. 
Air-slaked lime, 155. 
Alcohol, doses of, 430. 
Aloes, doses of, 430. 
Altered milk secretion, 209. 
Altering animals, 181. 
Alum, burnt. 430: doses of, 430. 
Ammonia, doses of, 430. 
Anesthetics, 149. 
Animal body, structure of, 108. 
Anthrax, 360; brief advice, 441. 
Antimony, butter of, 431. 
Antiseptics, 151. 
Antitoxin, 355. 
Apoplexy, 297. 
Appearance in disease. 115. 
Arsenic, doses of, 431; poisoning by, 

417. 
Arnica, doses of, 431. 
Asafoetida, doses of, 431. 
Astragahis mollissimus, 407. 
Azoturia, 399. 

Bacillus mallei, 356 ; tuberculosis, 

378. 



Back, teaching colt to, 82. 

Bacteria, 355. 

Balking, 83. 

Ball, giving, 132; purging, 440. 

Bandages, 124. 

Bang method for tuberculosis, 383. 

Barb-wire cuts, 161. 

Barrenness, 194. 

Bedding, 25; arrangement of, 25; care 
of, 25; kinds of, 25; removal of, 123. 

Belladonna, doses of, 431. 

Belly, examination of, 69. 

Bichlorid of mercury, 152. 

Big-head, 226. 

Big- jaw of cattle, 412. 

Big-knee in horses, 233. 

Big-leg, 406. 

Birth, signs of, 200. 

Bishoping, 57. 

Bits, for colts, 80. 

Bit, pulling on, 86. 

Bitches, disadvantage of, 32; period of 
heat in, 193; spayed, 32. 

Bitter milk, 209. 

Bitting bridle, 79. 

Blackhead, 397. 

Blackleg, 362; brief advice, 441; vacci- 
nation for, 364. 

Black tongue, 247. 

Black quarter, 362. 

Bladder, stone in, 402. 

Blankets, 12, 124. 

Bleeding for disease, 108. 

Bleeding, treatment for, 159. 

Blisters, 139 ; how to apply. 139 ; "fly," 
437; red, 438. 

Bloating, brief advice, 441 ; in cattle, 
260. 



cc 



(449) 



450 



Index 



Blood-poisoning in colts, 216. 

Blood-worms of horse, 339. 

Bloody milk, 209. 

Bloody urine in cattle, 370. 

Bloody urine in horses, 399. 

Bloody water, 399. 

Bluestone, 153; doses of, 431. 

Bog spavin, 238; brief advice, 441. 

Bolting food, 8. 

Bones, brittle, 225; broken, 217. 

Bony enlargements, 226. 

Bone spavin, 227; brief advice, 441. 

Bone, ulceration of, 223. 

Boophilus annulatus, 336, 370. 

Boric acid, 154; uses of, 431. 

Bots in cattle, 333; in horses, 331; in 

sheep, 334. 
Box stall, 122. 
Brands, on neck, 67. 
Brandy, doses of, 430. 
Breaking-cart, 81. 
Breaking colts, 78; puppies, 35. 
Breathing, abnormal, 113. 
Breeding rabbits, 45; young animals, 

197. 
Bridle, blind, 79; open, 79. 
Broken down, 242. 
Broken wind, 287. 
Bronchitis, 280; brief advice, 441. 
Brushes, for grooming, 21. 
Bulky food, 6. 
Bull neck, 60. 
Bullet eyes, 60. 
Bunches, brief advice, 442. 
Burns and scalds, brief advice, 442. 
Butter of antimony, 431. 

Caked bag, 210. 

Caked udder, brief advice, 442. 

Calomel, doses of, 431. 

Camphor, spii'its of, doses, 435. 

Cancer, 171, 305; brief advice, 305. 

Cantharides, 435. 

Caponizing, 187. 

Capped elbow, 172. 

Capped knee, 176. 



Capped hock, 174. 

Carbolic acid, for wounds, 153; strength 

of, 432. 
Care animals need, 16; of swine, 26; of 

young animals, 215. 
Cars, bedding for, 73; ventilation of, 

73. 
Castor oil, doses of, 432. 
Casting horses, 146.- 
Castration, 181; reasons for, 182; meth- 
ods of, 183. 
Catarrh, 278; acute, 278; chronic, 279. 
Catarrhal conjunctivitis, 310. 
Catching diseases, 354. 
Cats, 36; food for, 40. 
Cattle, age of, 58; bots, 333; drench- 
ing, 130; itch, 322; scab, 318; teeth 
of, 57; ticks, 336. 
Cattle, special diseases of, — 

Abortion, 374. 

Actinomycosis, 412. 

Big- jaw, 412. 

Blackleg, 362. 

Black quarter, 362. 

Bloating, 260. 

Bots, 333. 

Caked bag, 210. 

Choking, 255. 

Contagious abortion, 374. 
' Contagious pleuro-pneumonia, 286. 

Cornstalk disease, 410. 

Cowpox, 385. 

Foot-and-mouth disease, 376. 

Fowls, 303. 

Garget, 210. 

Horn-fly, 330. 

Hoven, 260. 

Impaction of rumen, 259. 

Lead poisoning, 426. 

Mammitis, 210. 

Milk fever, 212. 

Parturient apoplexy, 212. 

Pleuro-pneumonia, 286. 

Quarter ill, 362. 

Scab, 318, 322. 

Sore mouth, 246. 



Index 



451 



Cattle, special diseases of,— 

Southern fever, 370. 

Stone in the bladder, 402. 

Texas fever. 370. 

Tick fever, 370. 

Town-cow disease, 371. 

Tuberculosis, 378. 
Cavies, 46. 

Cement floors for swine, 27. 
Certificate of soundness. 71. 
Change of food, 7. 
Charbon, 360. 
Charcoal, doses of, 432. 
Chickens, broken bones in, 222; cholera. 

395; see, also. Fowls. 
Chloroform, 432. 
Chokine, 255; brief advice, 442. 
Chorea, 294. 

Cladothrix actinomyces, 413. 
Clean stables, 3, 
Cleaning wounds, 161. 
Clipping horses, 23. 
Cockleburr poisoning, 419. 
Ooenuriis cerebralis, 340. 
Coffin-joint lameness, 95. 
Cold abscesses, 166. 
Cold applications, 144. 
Cold water for bleeding, 161. 
Colic, in horses, 266; brief advice, 442; 
cramp, 266; flatulent, 267; mix- 
ture, 437. 
Collar, for dogs, 36. 
Color of horses, 58. 
Colts' feet, care of, 106. 
Colt ill, 216. 

Combs, for grooming, 22. 
Gompsomyia tnacellaria, 329. 
Concretions, intestinal, 270. 
Confining animals, 144. 
Congestion, 156; of lungs, 282. 
Constipation, 275; brief advice, 442. 
Contagious diseases, 354; abortion, 

374; pleuro-pneumonia, 286. 
Copperas, doses of, 432. 
Copper sulfate, 153; doses of, 431. 
Corns, 97; brief advice, 442, 



Cornstalk disease, 410. 

Com smut, 6. 

Corrals, for animals, 28. 

Corrosive sublimate, antiseptic, 152; 

uses of, 432. 
Cottonseed meal poisoning, 425. 
Cough mixture, 438. 
Coughing, 113. 
Counter irritants, 138. 
Cow fasteners, 20. 
Cow, period of heat in, 193; pulse of, 

111; temperature of, 112. 
Cowpox, 385. 
Cow stables, 19; stalls, construction of, 

20; stalls, size of, 20. 
Cracked hoofs, 101. 
Cramp colic, 266. 
Creolin, 155, 432. 
Cribbing, 66, 251. 
Crop-bound, 276. 
Cross-matched horses, 59. 
Curb, 241; brief advice, 443. 
Curry-comb, 22. 
Cuts, wire, 161. 

Date cavity, 55. 
Dehorning, 179. 
Dental star, 56. 
Destroying carcasses, 151. 
Diarrhea, 273. 

Digestive system, description of, 244. 
Dips, for cattle, 325; for sheep, 320. 
Dirty hay, 426. 
Dish-faced, 60. 
Disinfection, 73, 150, 
Dislocations, 234; of neck, 237. 
Distoma hepaticum, 338. 
Docking horses, 181. 
Docking lambs, 181. 
Dogs, 31; breaking, 35; drenching, 
130; distemper, 386; food for, 34: 
pulse of. 111; temperature of, 112. 
Dogs, special diseases of— 

Chorea, 294. 

Distemper, 386. 

Ectropium, 308. 



452 



Index 



Dogs, special diseases of, — 

Hydrophobia, 367. 

Rabies, 367. 
Doses of medicine, 428; regulation of, 

137. 
Drainage of stables, 21. 
Drenching, 128. 
Dropsy, 405. 
Drunk on apples, 443. 
Dry food, for work animals, 8. 
Drying powder, 438. 
Dummies, 29L , 
Dysentery, 27^ 
Dystokia, 202. 

Ectropium, 308. 

Eczema, 300. 

Embryotomy, 204. 

Enemas, 136. 

Enteritis, 271. 

Epilepsy, 296. 

Epsom salts, doses, 433. 

Ergotism, 422. 

Erysipelas, 306. 

Ether, sulfuric, 433. 

Eversion of uterus, brief advice, 443; 

of vagina, 208; of womb, 207. 
Ewe neck, 60. 
Ewe, temperature of, 112; period of 

heat in, 193. 
Examination for soundness, 64. 
Excretions, 114. 
Exercise for animals, 11. 
Exostoses, 226. 
External medication, 135. 
Eye, diseases of, 307; examination of, 

66; inflammation of, 308; worm in, 

311. 

Farcy, 358. 

Feed-boxes, 17. 

Feeding animals, separate, 4. 

Feeding calves, 5. 

Feeding, regular, 5. 

Feeding when tired, 4. 

Feet, care of, 24. 



Fever, 112. 

Fever thermometer. 112. 

Fillaria papillosa, 311. 

Firing, 141. 

Fistulse, 168. 

Fistulous withers, 170. 

Fits, 296. 

Fitting shoes. 105. 

Flatulent colic, 267. 

Fleas, 318, 443. 

Flies, 327. 

Flukes, liver, 338. . 

Fly-nets, 13. 

Fomentations, 142. 

Food for pets, 31; for sick animals, 127; 

change of, 7. 
Foot, examination of, 68; puncture of 

sole, 100. 
Foot-and-mouth disease, 376. 
Fouls, in cattle, 303; brief advice, 443. 
Foul- sheath, 403. 
Founder, 93. 

Fowl cholera, cause of, 395. 
Fowls, special diseases of — 

Black-head, 397. 

Cholera, 395. 

Crop-bound, 276. 

Gapes, 350. 

Roup, 397. 
Fowler's solution of arsenic, 431. 
Fractures, 217; brief advice, 443. 
Full mouth, 54. 

Galls, brief advice, 443. 
Gapes, in fowls, 350. 
Garget, 210. 
Gastrophilus equi, 331. 
Generative organs, 192, 
Gentian root, doses of, 432. 
Germs of disease, 354. 
Gestation, period of, 200. 
Gid, in sheep, 340. 
Ginger, Jamaica, doses of, 433. 
Giving medicine, 128. 
Glanders, 356; brief advice, 444. 
Glauber's salts, dose of, 433. 



Index 



453 



Glycerine, 433. 
Gorging Tvith grain, 263. 
Granulating wotmds, 164. 
"Grapes," 302. 
Gravel, 99. 
Grease heel, 301. 
Green horses. 74. 
Grooming, 21, 126. 
Grab in the head, 334. 
Guinea pigs, 46. 
Gut-tie, 271. 

HcematoMa serrata, 330. 

Hair balls, 270, 

Halters, 19. 

Halter-pulling, 65, 85. 

Hares, 43. 

Harnessing horses, 77. 

Hay, dirty, 426; moldy, 425. 

Healing powders, 438; remedies, 151. 

Heat exhaustion, 297. 

Heat, periods of, 193. 

Heaves, 287; brief advice, 444. 

Hernia, 177. 

Hidebound, 6; treatment for, 299. 

Hip-joint lameness, 90. 

Hipped, 223; appearance of, 70. 

Hitching in shafts, 77. 

Hock, examination of, 69. 

Hog. See, also. Swine. 

Hog cholera, 388. 

Hogs, holding, 148. 

Hoof-cracks, 101. 

Hoof -dressing, 95. 

Hooks, 308. 

Horn-fly, 330. ■ 

Horns, rings on, 58. 

Horse, age of, 51. 

Horse, special diseases of— 

Azoturia, 399. 

Big-head, 226. 

Big-knee, 233. 

Big-leg, 406. 

Blood-poisoning, 216. 

Blood-worms, 339. 

Bloody water, .399. 



Bone spavin, 227. 

Bots, 331. 

Bowels, obstraction of, 269. 

Bi-eaking-down, 242. 

Broken-wind, 287, 288. 

Capped elbow, 172. 

Capped hock, 174. 

Capped knees, 176. 

Choking, 255. 

Chorea, 294. 

Coffin-joint lameness, 95. 

Colic, 266. 

Conjunctivitis, 310. 

Corns, 97. 

Cracked hoofs, 101. 

Cribbing. 251. 

Curb, 241. 

Dropsy, 405. 

Dummies, 291. 

Eetropium, 308. 

Eczema, 300. 

Emphysema, 277. 

Epilepsy, 296. 

Erysipelas, 306. 

Farcy, 356. 

Fistulous withers, 170. 

Fits, 296. 

Foot, wounds of, 100. 

Founder, 93. 

Glanders, 356. 

"Grapes," 302. 

Gravel and stone, 99, 402. 

Grease-heel, 301. 

Heat exhaustion, 297. 

Heaves, 287. 

Hernia, 177. 

Hidebound, 299. 

Hipped, 223. 

Hoofs, cracked, 101. 

Indigestion, 264. 

Inflammation of skin, 300. 

Jack spavin, 227. 

Knee-sprung, 242. 

Knuckling, 235. 

Lameness, 88. 

Laminitis, 93. 



454 



Index 



Horses, special diseases of — 
Lock-jaw, 291. 
Lymphangitis, 406. 
Mane, rubbing of, 306. 
Melanotic tumors, 305. 
Milk leg, 406. 
Moon blindness, 309. 
Mud fever, 301. 
Obstruction of bowels^ '269. 
Open joint, 174. ~" 

Ophthalmia, 309. 
Osteoporosis, 226. 
Pink-eye, 310. 
Poll-evil, 168. 

Pulmonary emphysema. 277. 
Punctured wounds, 100. 
Pyemia, 216. 
Quarter-crack, 102. 
Quittor, 99. 

Retention of urine, 401. 
Ring-bone, 231. 
Roaring, 287. 

Rubbing mane and tail, 306. 
Scratches, 301. 
Scrotal hernia, 179. 
Shoe-boil, 172. 
Shoulder lameness, 91. 
Side-bones, 224. 
Spavin, 227, 238. 
Splint, 233. 

Staggers, 258, 423, 425. 
Stifle, 235. 

Stocks, stocking, 405. 
Stomach staggers, 258. 
Stone in bladder, 402. 
Stringhalt. 294. 
Sunstroke, 297. 
Sweeney, 91. 
Switching tail, 177. 
Synovial capped hock, 174. 
Tail, rubbing, 306; switching, 177. 
Tetanus, 291. 
Thistlelow, 170. 
Thorough-pin, 240. 
Thrush, 100. 
Urine, retention of, 401. 



Whistling, 288. 

Wind-puff, 239. 

Wolf-te.eth. 251. 

Worm in eye, 311. 

Wry tail, 176. 
Horse, age of, 51; bots, 331; drenching, 
129; confining in stall, 19; pulse of, 
111; stall, 18; temperature, 112. 
Hoven, 260. 
Hydrocephalus, 290. 
Hydrophobia, 367; brief advice, 446. 
Hypoderma lineatoc, 333. 
Hypodermic medication, 132. 

Immobility, 294. 

Immunity, 355. 

Impaction of rumen, 259; brief advice, 

444. 
Impotence, 194. 
Indigestion, brief advice, 444; horses, 

264. 
Infectious diseases, 354; pneumonia,286. 
Inflammation, 156. 
Inflammation of bowels, 271 ; brief 

advice, 444; of eye, brief advice, 

444; of lungs, 283; of skin, 300. 
Injections, 136. 

Instruments for castrating, 184. 
Interfering, 107. 

Intestines, color after death, 119. 
Intestinal worms, 341. 
Intussusception, 271. 
Iodine, tincture of, 433. 
lodiform, 154. 
lodism, 414. 
Iron, tincture of. 436. 
Itch, range, 322. - 

Keeping medicines, 137. 

Kerosene, 433. 

Kicking strap, 81. 

Kittens, care of, 38. 

Knee, enlarged, 223; examination of, 

68; scars, 68. 
Knee-sprung, 242. 
Knuckling, 235; brief advice, 445. 



Index 



455 



Labor, 201. 

Lameness, 88; testing for, 70. 

Laminitis, 93; brief advice, 445. 

Lard, doses of, 433. 

Laudanum, doses of, 434. 

Lead acetate, 435. 

Lead poisoning, 426. 

Leading colts, 78: horses, 77. 

Leveling, foot, 25. 

Lice, 314; brief advice, 445. 

Light for buildings, 2; in sick stall, 

123; for stalls, 17. 
Lime water, doses of, 434. 
Line-firing, 141. 
Lines, position of, 78. 
Liniments, uses of, 135 ; recipe for, 

439. 
Linseed-oil, doses of, 434. 
Liver flukes, 338. 
Lock-jaw, 291; brief advice, 445. 
Loco disease, 407. 

Lotions, 135; soothing, 438; white, 439. 
Lump-jaw, 412. 
Lungs, congestion of, 282; fever, 283; 

inflammation of, 283. 
Lung- worms, 348. 
Lymphangitis, 406. 

Mad dog, 368. 

Maggots, 328; brief advice, 445. 

Maliein test, 359. 

Mallenders, 301. 

Mammitis, 210. 

Mane, care of, 22; rubbing of, 306. 

Mange, 326. 

Mangers for cows, 20. 

Mare, period of heat in, 193. 

Market, fitting horses for, 71. 

Matched horses, 58. 

Measles in meat, 342, 351. 

Meat, examination for trichinae, 353. 

Medicines, common, 430; doses of, 428. 

Melanotic tumors. 305. 

Mercury bichlorid, 432. 

Milk, bloody, 209. 

Milk fever, 212; brief advice, 446. 



Milk for pets, 31. 

Milk teeth of horse, 52. 

Milking tubes, 212. 

Molars of horse, 51. 

Moldy corn poisoning, 422; hay, 425; 

oats, 425; silage, 424. 
Moon blindness, 309. 
Mouth, examination of, 66. 
Mucous membrane, appearance of, 114. 
Mud fever, 301. 
Mustard, 434. 
Mustard plasters, 141. 

Navicular disease, 95. 

Neck, dislocation of, 237; examination 

of, 67; straps, 76. 
Nerving, operation for, 96 ; signs of, 68. 
Nervous diseases, 290. 
Neurotomy, operation for, 96. 
Niter, spirits of, 436. 
Nitrate of potash, doses, 435. 
Nits, destruction of, 316. 
Nostril, examination of, 65. 
Nux vomica, doses of, 434. 
Nymphomania, 195. 

Oak bark, 434. 

Oats, moldy, 425. 

Obstruction of bowels, 269. 

CEstris ovis, 334. 

Open bridles, 79, 

Open-joint, 174. 

Opening abscesses, 167 ; the womb, 

196. 
Ophthalmia, periodic, 309 ; simple, 

308. 
Organs, appearance after death, 119. 
Ossification of cartilage, 225. 
Osteoporosis, 226. 
Overfeeding, 3. 
Overreaching, 107 . 
Oxide of zinc, ointment, 439. 
Oxytropis Lambertii, 407. 

Paralysis, 298; of penis, 404. 
Parasites, 312. 



456 



Index 



Paring the feet, 24. 

Parotiditis, 252. 

Parrot mouth, 248. 

Parturient apoplexy, 212^-^ 

Parturition, signs of, 200. 

Peppermint, doses of, 435. 

Period of pregnancy, 200. 

Periodic ophthalmia, 309. 

Pets, essentials for, 30; selection of, 

30. 
Pigs, drenching, 130; see, also, Hog and 

Swine. 
Pink-eye. 310. 
Placenta, removal of, 206 ; rupturing, 

205. 
Plaster-of -Paris splint, 220. 
Pleuro-pneumonia, contagious, 286. 
Pneumonia, 283; infectious, 286. 
Points in horse-judging. 59. 
Poisoning, brief advice, 446. 
Poisoning by lead, 426. 
Poisoning, malicious. 417. 
Poisonous foods, 420. 
Poisonous plants, 419. 
Poll-evil, 168. 

Post-mortem examination, 117. 
Poultices, 135. 

Precautions in drenching, 130. 
Pregnancy, signs of, 198. 
Prescriptions, common, 437; symbols, 

429. 
Protection for animals, 12. 
Proud flesh, 164. 
Prunus serotina, 419. 
Psoroptes communis, 319, 322. 
Pulling on bit, 86. 
Pulmonary emphysema, 287. 
Pulse, 110. 
Puncture -firing, 141; of foot, brief 

advice, 446; wounds of foot, 100. 
Puppies, 33; see, also. Dog. 
Purging ball, 440. 
Pus in vpounds, 164. 
Pyrosoma bigemimim, 370. 

Quarantine, 28. 



Quarter-crack, 102; brief advice, 446. 
Quarters for rabbits, 45; for stock, 2. 
Quinine, doses of, 435. 
Quittor, 99. 

Rabbits, 43. 

Rabies, 367. 

Range itch, 322. 

Rearing, 85. 

Red water, in cattle, 370; in horses, 

399. 
Removing stitches, 165. 
Respiration, 113. 
Retention of placenta, 206; of urine, 

401. 
Rheumatism, 415. 
Ridgling, castration, 186 
Ring-bone, 231; brief advice, 446. 
Ring- worm, 313; brief advice, 446. 
Roach back, 60. 
Roaring, 288. 
Roup, 397. 

Rubbing-posts for swine, 27. 
Rubbing the mane, 306 ; the tail, 

306. 
Runaway horses, 86. 
Rupture, 177; of vagina, 197; tendons, 

243.' 

Salivary calculus, 253; fistula, 66. 

Salivation. 253. 

Sallenders, 301. 

Salt, antiseptic, 155; common, 435; 

for animals, 8; for sick animals, 

128. 
Saltpeter, doses of, 435. 
Scab, of sheep and cattle, 318. . 
Scabs on wounds, 165. ^ 
Scars, 165. 
Sehirrous cord, 184. 
Schmidt treatment, 213. 
Sclerostoma armatum, 340. 
Scouring. 273; brief advice, 446. 
Scraping horses, 23. 
Scratches. 301; brief advice, 447. 
Screw-fly, 329. 



Index 



457 



Scrotal hernia, 179; operation for, 186. 
Seasoned horses, 74. 
Setons, 138. 
Sewing wounds, 162. 
Sheath, foul, 403. 

Sheep hots, 334; dips, 320; drenching, 
132; pulse of, 111; scab, 319; tape- 
worm, 342; temperature of, 112. 
Sheep, special diseases of — 

Anthrax, 360. 

Bots, 334. 

Gld. 340. 

Grub in the head, 334. 

Lung worms, 348. 

Staggers, 340. 

Sterility, 340. 

Stomach worms, 346. 

Tape worms, 341. 
Shipping horses, 72. 
Shoeing, 103. 
Shoes, resetting, 106. 
Shoe-boil, 172. 

Slioulder, examination of, 67; lame- 
ness, 90. 
Sick animals, surroundings, 121. 
Side-bones, 224. 
Side-lines, 146. 

Signs of age, in horse, 51; of preg- 
nancy, 198. 
Simple ophthalmia, 308. 
Skin, inflammation of, 300. 
Slings, 126. 
Slobbering, 253. 
Snoring, 113. 
Soaking tub, 144. 
Softening of bone. 224. 
Sore mouth, brief advice, 447. 
Soot balls, 67. 
Soothing lotion, 438. 
Sore ears, in cats, 42; feet of cattle, 
303; mouth, 246; mouth of cattle, 
infectious, 246; throat, 254; throat, 
brief advice, 447. 
Soundness, certificates of, 71; exam- 
ination for, 64. 
Southern cattle fever, 370. 



Sow, period of heat in, 193. 

Spasmodic colic, 266. 

Spavin, bog, 238; bone, 227. 

Spaying, 188. 

Spayed bitches, 32. 

Speedy cuts, 68. 

Splint, 233; brief advice on, 447. 

Splints for fractures, 219. 

Sprains, 238; brief advice, 447 

Stables for cows, 19; drainage, 21; fit- 
tings, 17; vices, 64. 

Staggers in sheep, 340. 

Stalls, separate, 17. 

Stanchions for cows, 20. 

Steaming blankets, 13. 

Sterility, 194. 

Stifle, 235; brief advice, 447; chronic, 
237. 

Stitching up wounds, 162. 
-Stocks, 144. 

Stocking of legs, 405. 

Stomachs of cattle, 245. 

Stomach staggers, 2.^8; brief advice, 
447, 

Stomach worms of sheep, 346. 

Stone in bladder, 402. 

Strangulated hernia, 178. 

Stringhalt, 294. 

Strongiilus contortus, 346. 

Strongulus filaria, 348. 

Style, in horses, 59. 

Sugar of lead, 435. 

Sulfate of copper. 153. 

Sulfate of iron, doses, 432. 

Sulfur, doses, 436. 

Sunstroke, 297; brief advice, 447. 

Supports, for sick animals, 126. 

Surgeon's knot, 160; needle, 162; silk, 
162. 

Surgical eases, 156. 

Sway back, 60. 

Sweeney, 91. 

Sweet spirits of niter, doses, 436. 

Swine. See, also, Hog. 

Swine, care of, 26; plague, 388; sep- 
arate lots for, 27. 



V 



458 



Index 



Swine, special diseases of — 

Cholera, 388. 

Intestinal worms, 341. 

Lung worms, 348. 

Scrotal hernia, 186. 

Swine plague, 388. 

Trichinae, 352. 
Switching the tail; 177. 
Swollen legs, brief advice, 448. 
Symptomatic anthrax, 366. 
Syngamus trachealis, 350. 
Synovial capped hock, 174. 



Tcenia coenurus, 

342. 
Taking up foot, 145. 
Tail, care of, 22 



340 



marginata. 



rubbing the. 



Tape worms, 341. 

Tapping for bloat, 261. 

Teeth at birth, 53; of cattle, 57; of 

horse, 52; long, 248; number in 

horse, 52; names of, 52; ulcerated, 

249. 
Temperature of animals, 112. 
Temperature of stables, 3. 
Tendons, rupture of, 243. 
Tetanus, 291. 

Texas fever, 370 ; brief advice, 448. 
Texas itch, 322. 
Thistlelow, 170. 
Throwing animals, 146. 
Thoroughpin, 240; brief advice, 448. 
Thrush, 100. 
Thumps, in pigs, 416. 
Ticks, 336; brief advice, 448. 
Tick fever, 370. 
Tincture chloride of iron, doses, 

436. 
Tip shoes, 104. 
Tobacco, 436. 
Tongue, scars on, 66. 
Toxin, 355. 
Training dogs, 35. 
Trichina spiralis, 352. 
Trinehinse in meat, 352. 



Trocar, for tapping, 262. 

Tuberculin test, 382. 

Tuberculosis, 378. 

Tumors, 171; melanotic, 305; of skin, 

304. 
Turpentine, doses of, 436. 
Twist, 145. 
Tying blood-vessels, 160; horses, 

76. 
Typhoid fever, 388. 

Ulceration of bone, 523. 

Underfeeding, 6. 

Unsoundness, 62. 

Urinating, frequent, 404. 

Urinary calculi, 402. 

Urine, appearance of, 115; color of, 

120; retention of, 401. 
Vaccination for anthrax, 262; for 

blackleg, 264. 
Vaginal discharge, 206. 
Vaseline, 436. 
Vicious horses, 82. 
Vinegar, 437. 
Volvulus, 271. 

Warbles, 334. 

Warbleflies, 333. 

"Warm stables, 3. 

Warranty of horses, 63. 

Warts, 304. 

Washy horses, 61. 

Watering animals, 5. 

Water for sick animals, 127. 

Water on brain, 204. 

Weaning young animals, 215. 

Whiskey, doses of, 430. 

Whistling, 288. 

White scour, 276. 

White vitriol. 153. 

Wild cherry poisoning, 419. 

Wind colic, 267. 

Windpuffs, 239. 

Wind sucking, 251. 

Wind, testing for, 70. 

Wolf -teeth, 251; brief advice, 448. 



Index 



459 



Worm in the eye, 311 ; intestinal, 
341 ; tape, 341 ; treatment for, 
344. 

Wounds, 158; brief advice, 448; heal- 
ing of, 164. 

Wry tail, 176. 



Xanthium, 419. 
Yards for animals, 28. 



Zinc oxide ointment, 439. 
Zinc sulfate, 153. 



IP 



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WORKS BY PROFESSOR BAILEY 

THE SURVIVAL OF THE UNLIKE: 
A Collection of Evolution Essays Suggested 
by the Study of Domestic Plants. By L. H. 

BAILEY, Professor of Horticulture in the Cornell 
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FOURTH EDITION— 516 PAGES — 22 ILLUSTRATIONS — S2.00 

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lander examination only so far as these aid in recognition and identification. 
To introduce unnecessary confusion is a serious blunder. Professor Bailey 
has avoided the risk of confusion. In short, in range, treatment and edit- 
ing, the Cyclopedia appears to be emphatically useftil ; . . . a work worthy 
of ranking by the side of the Century Dictionary." — The Nation. 

This work is sold only by subscription, and terms and 
further information may be had of the publishers. 



THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 

No. 66 Fifth Avenue NEW YORK 



T 



WORKS BY PROFESSOR BAILEY 

HE EVOLUTION OF OUR NA- 
TIVE FRUITS. By L. H. BAILEY, Pro^ 
fessor of Horticulture in the Cornell University. 

478 PACES— 125 ILLUSTRATIONS— 32.00 

In this entertaining volume, the origin and de- 
velopment of the fruits peculiar to North America 
are inquired into, and the personality of those horti- 
cultural pioneers whose almost forgotten labors 
have given us our most valuable fruits is touched 
upon. There has been careful research into the 
history of the various fruits, including inspection 
of the records of the great European botanists who 
have given attention to American economic botany. 
The conclusions reached, the information presented, 
and the suggestions as to future developments, can- 
not but be valuable to any thoughtful fruit-grower, 
while the terse style of the author is at its best in 
his treatment of the subject. 

The Evolution of our Native Fruits discusses The Rise ot 
the American Grape (North America a Natural Vineland, Attempts 
to Cultivate the European Grape, The Experiments of the Dufours, 
The Branch of Promise, John Adlum and the Catawba, Rise of 
Commercial Viticulture, Why Did the Early Vine Experiments Fail ? 
Synopsis of the American Grapes) ; The Strange History of the Mul- 
berries (The Early Silk Industry, The "Multicaulis Craze,") ; Evolu- 
tion of American Plums and Cherries (Native Plums in General, 
The Chickasaw, Hortulana, Marianna and Beach Plum Groups, 
Pacific Coast Plum, Various Other Types of Plums, Natwe Cherries, 
Dwarf Cherry Group ) ; Native Apples (Indigenous Species, Amelio- 
ration has begun); Origin of American Raspberry-growing (Early 
American History, Present Types, Outlying Types) ; Evolution of 
Blackberry and Dewberry Culture (The High-bush Blackberry and 
Its Kin, The Dewberries, Botanical Names); Various Types of 
Berry-like Fruits (The Gooseberry, Native Currants, Juneberry, 
Buffalo Berry, Elderberry, High-bush Cranberry, Cranberry, Straw- 
berry); Various Types of Tree Priiits (Persimmon, Custard -Apple 
Tribe, Thorn-Apples, Nut-Fruits) ; General Remarks on the Improve- 
ment of our Native Fruits (What Has Been Done, What Probably 
Should Be Done). 



WORKS BY PROFESSOR BAILEY 

ESSONS WITH PLANTS: Suggest 
tions for Seeing and Interpreting Some of 
the Common Forms of Vegetation. By L. 

H. BAILEY, Professor of Horticulture in the Cornell 
University, with delineations from nature by W. S. 
HOLDSWORTH, of the Agricultural College of 
Michigan. 

SECOND EDITION— 491 PACES— 446 ILLUSTRATIONS— 1 2 MO- 
CLOTH— $1.10 NET 

There are two ways of looking at nature. The 
old way, which you have found so unsatisfactory, 
was to classify everything — to consider leaves, roots, 
and whole plants as formal herbarium specimens, 
forgetting that each had its own story of growth 
and development, struggle and success, to tell. 
Nothing stifles a natural love for x>lants more effect- 
ually than that old way. 

The new way is to watch the life of every grow- 
ing thing, to look upon each plant as a living 
ereatu-re, whose life is a story as fascinating as the 
story of any favorite hero. "Lessons with Plants" 
is a book of stories, or rather, a book of plays, for 
we can see each chapter acted out if we take the 
trouble to look at the actors. 

" I have spent some time in most delightful examination of it, and the 
longer I look, the better I like it. I find it not only full of interest, but 
eminently suggestive. I know of no book which begins to do so much to 
open the eyes of the student —whether pupil or teacher — to the wealth of 
meaning contained in simple plant forms. Above all else, it seems to be 
full of suggestions that help one to learn the language of plants, so they 
may talk to him."— Darwin L. Bardwell, Superintendent of Schools, Bing- 
hamton. 

"It is an admirable book, and cannot fail both to awaken interest in 
the subject, and to serve as a helpful and reliable guide to young students 
of plant life. It will, I think, fill an important place in secondary schools, 
and comes at an opportune time, when helps of this kind are needed and 
eagerly sought."— Professor V. M. Spalding, University of Michigan. 

FIRST LESSONS WITH PLANTS 

An Abridgement of the above. 117 pages — 116 illustra- 
tions — 40 cents net. 



DEC 8- 1903 



